Vuylstekeara bloom issues

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Ray

That looks like a cultural issue to me.

In situations in which distractions led me to poor attentiveness, I have seen Oncidiinae intergenerics like this give crappy, deformed, misshapen blooms the first blooming, especially after a transplant, then return to normal on subsequent ones.

Thanks for your input Ray!
This is the first bloom since being repotted, but it has previously bloomed (was in spike when I got it) - is that what you mean? Being outside, it may have been a bit neglected ...

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by johnblagg

I agree with Ray ....I think a virus would make the blooms spotchy with color breaks and I really dont see that in yours.

do you have any problems with new growth being warped or streaked?-

hmm ...
thanks John - I appreciate your opinion

the new growth looks good to me

I took some more pix if anyone cares to have a look ...

[Gin]

I thought I posted to your thread must of been in invisible ink .. I think it could be either cultural or virus. In the current picture there is some tie dyed color on the sepals when compared to the older photo . Makes me suspicious of virus . Testing is the only way to be sure .. Gin

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Gin

I thought I posted to your thread must of been in invisible ink .. I think it could be either cultural or virus. In the current picture there is some tie dyed color on the sepals when compared to the older photo . Makes me suspicious of virus . Testing is the only way to be sure .. Gin

oh that crazy invisible ink!
thanks for your input Gin - I'll see about getting it tested

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Gin

I thought I posted to your thread must of been in invisible ink .. I think it could be either cultural or virus. In the current picture there is some tie dyed color on the sepals when compared to the older photo . Makes me suspicious of virus . Testing is the only way to be sure .. Gin

well not trying to contradict GINs opinion I am not near as qulifyied as she is on this ...but the origanal is so naturally splotchy and kind of tie dye I was just thinking it was possibly culture this time ....LOL go with Gin on this one before what I say she grows way more way better than I do

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by johnblagg

well not trying to contradict GINs opinion I am not near as qulifyied as she is on this ...but the origanal is so naturally splotchy and kind of tie dye I was just thinking it was possibly culture this time ....LOL go with Gin on this one before what I say she grows way more way better than I do

hehe - well I didn't take note of any color splotches for the same reason ...
and it was outside in the cold, so idk ...
and John - I certainly think you are qualified!
As are the other members who chimed in.
And I appreciate the input from all ...

[nenella]

I agree with above about hanging on a bit as it may not necessarily be virus infected , but only 'not perfect' growing conditions - your new growth looks very ok to me.
I have an other idea... did you water by adding anything like Superthrive or KLN to your watering? as I once did that on a 'stephan Isler' & flowers were distorted, next batch from the new growth was back to normal but less flowers than when originally bought... I am still struggling with this plant. & does not look in tip top condition although has reflowered twice since I've had it 3 years .
Hope this helps?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by nenella

I agree with above about hanging on a bit as it may not necessarily be virus infected , but only 'not perfect' growing conditions - your new growth looks very ok to me.
I have an other idea... did you water by adding anything like Superthrive or KLN to your watering? as I once did that on a 'stephan Isler' & flowers were distorted, next batch from the new growth was back to normal but less flowers than when originally bought... I am still struggling with this plant. & does not look in tip top condition although has reflowered twice since I've had it 3 years .
Hope this helps?

Yes, I had been using superthrive regularly for a good portion of last year.

Just now I was outside watering and noticed suspicious looking foliage on a couple of cyms After trying to find pictures of virus infected plants when this came up with the vuyl. The cym foliage looks similar to some pix I found of infected cyms. I don't know if I am now just freaking about viruses or what. *sigh*

Thanks for your input

[silken]

WhiteRabbit, I acquired a Vuyl. Melissa Brianne 'Shady Lady' recently (in spike) and found this thread. I'm curious what you came up with for an answer to the strange blooms. Superthrive (too much of it) was my thought. I'd love to hear what happened and if it is blooming normally now.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by silken

WhiteRabbit, I acquired a Vuyl. Melissa Brianne 'Shady Lady' recently (in spike) and found this thread. I'm curious what you came up with for an answer to the strange blooms. Superthrive (too much of it) was my thought. I'd love to hear what happened and if it is blooming normally now.

well ... this initiated a spike in fall, and another a couple months later - both have been growing extremely slow, and still have not yet bloomed, tho a couple buds on one spike look close. Some buds on one spike look as tho they may be crippled - buds on the other spike look ok I think. This plant has been growing outdoors only, except for the coldest nights in winter, when I put it in the garage (I was worried if there was something wrong with it, didn't want it near other plants - tho was sheltered - it definitely looks rough, and recently I saw a bunch of bugs fly off the plant when I picked it up, so it's been thoroughly washed a few days ago. So, if the blooms still look odd, not sure if it could be from pests - or what *sigh*

Hopefully I can soon see what the blooms look like now