orchid mutation

[Jun]

Hi All,
my orchid rebloomed but it the flowers were different from its first bloom.

It was dark purple initially. On the second bloom, it became paler, and even producing yellow flowers.

I'm not sure if it is due to environmental reasons or is it unstable genes.

What do you reckon?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Most likely due to a change in growing conditions. I find that a plant will produce somewhat different flowers if the light intensity changes, for example. It is possible that you could see changes in the flowers due to changes in other environmental or factors (water, fertilizer, temperature, and so on), though I have not observed this personally.

Regarding genetics - I am not a geneticist, but my understanding is that once a plant has developed, the genetics are established and don't change. I think I have heard of instances of genetics changes during mericloning (?) but I am uncertain about this (still, my instinct says that all mericlones are "clones" and should continue to have stable genetics).

Perhaps someone with a background in genetics will offer an opinion?

[Ray]

^^ I agree ^^

Reds are particularly temperature dependent, with cooler temps and brighter conditions favoring color development.