Why? 2 Petals not open on Phal

[Helen]

Hi everyone,

My phal has 4 - 5 buds and the first has opened, but not fully. It has been 3 days and only the sepals have opened up wide and normal. The 2 petals are cupped loosely. I tried to open them gently, they moved out a bit temporarily and then cupped back up again. Has anyone else experienced this weird event? perhaps the window area is too cool? approx. 65 nite - 69 degrees daytime. Except, my other phal is blooming normally in the same location!
Thx
Helen

[camille1585]

Even without a picture, I think I see what you are describing, and have heard of it a lot. The blooms will probably never open any further. The phal is probably peloric or semi peloric. Peloric is when the petals take on the color and/or the shape of the lip. The transfomation is not necessarily complete, it might just be cupped sepals, like in your case.

This trait is not always stable, so the next time your phal blooms it might be peloric again, or have totally normal blooms

[Dorothy]

They call it lettuce-leaf ..
Check out these past threads
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...my-blooms.html
Help with Phal ID

[Bird Song Farm]

Every thing is fine Helen, just enjoy the show.

Previous folks have covered it.

Al

[Helen]

Yep, I guess no dull moments with orchids. You never know what will happen with them! It was in 'normal' bloom when I first bought it, and this is the first time it's bloomed for me. I have two of these Baldan's Kal. and the other plant is in blloom with normal petals yet they are in the same window area. I think it has to do more with culture or watering one more than the other. I don't water them at the same time, as I decide when they need water by my "let's see" watering ritual! This one may not have got as much water. That's the only difference I can think of.
It will be interesting to see if the other buds open this way, which by the sounds of it they will. I'll keep you posted on the next round of blooms.
Thanks to everyone for your help and also for the great Peloric reading links (Dorothy!)
Helen

[Bird Song Farm]

You're welcome, I love pelorics, wish I had the room for every one I see.
Al

[Dorothy]

Helen - You are very welcome