Why my Phal changed colors?

[franfrancy]

Hello Everybody!

My friend gave me a Phal in August,2013, and it is doing really great but I notice that after blooming it changes the color few weeks later, from dark pink to lighter pink.
Does anyone know the reason for the flowers change the color? The plant is very healthy, is on second bloom. I use MSU fertilizer the weak concentration and also take care about light, water and etc.
If helps, I live in Chicago,IL.
As I said, the plant is very heathy but I would like to know if is normal. I'm sending pics, there is no photoshop or alterations on the pic.
Thanks for any help

[NYCorchidman]

eh, I wouldn't consider this as color change.

With that said, the one on the left seems like an old bloom and the one on the right newer, fresh bloom, hence the more vibrant color.

As flowers age, they all lose that "shine" they once had in the beginning.

By the way, light intensity and temperature play role in flower color for certain plants.
Not all, but certain flowers in the red tone (pink, purple...) may look washed out when the buds developed under warmer than ideal temperature.
Cooler temperature and bright light together bring out the deepest (darker) color tone.

[gardengirl13]

Some change color as they age. One I REALLY wanted was white with a yellow lip, great flower! But they say the lip fades to white as it ages, so I didn't buy it. I have one phal with cute little flowers that open a faint buttery yellow, then fade to a lovely soft blush pink! I love it!!

[james mickelso]

Orchid flowers are variable in whether the color fades or intensifies with age. But most I have raised are deeper when young and fade over time. That is what happened to your flower here. It faded as it aged. That white flower with the vivid yellow lip would fade after a few weeks. My C. General Patton is starting to fade. been in flower about 5 weeks now so it is time to start down the path of senility much like me.

[franfrancy]

Thanks all for the reply. I was worried if I was doing something wrong, but if is normal I am relieved about the change.
Thanks again!!!

[lepetitmartien]

First flowerings may be a little different of maturity flowerings, and color especially the red/yellow are very sensible to temperatures, a little colder helps for brighter colors.