Can cold weather change Phal bloom color?

[Gin]

Hi ,
It spreads by direct fluid contact, like cutting tools, bugs and ect . also can by our fingernails if we use them to pinch off an old bloom or leaf or ? then go to another plant . Think aids or one of the other viruses . Gin

[Lilly B]

Thanks Gin. Cutting tools I don't reuse until I sterilize, don't believe she's ever had a bug problem I don't pinch my orchids. Eyebabe seem to think that maybe she had it when I got her. Now I'm praying that it's the odd cold weather we had because she is my favorite and I'd hate to loose her. She came in full bloom to me in 2004 so I guess this is actually her 8th flowering since I've had her. She even gave me a double spike this year.
So, is there a cure or the end of her if it is a virus?

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by Lilly B

Thanks Gin. Cutting tools I don't reuse until I sterilize, don't believe she's ever had a bug problem I don't pinch my orchids. Eyebabe seem to think that maybe she had it when I got her. Now I'm praying that it's the odd cold weather we had because she is my favorite and I'd hate to loose her. She came in full bloom to me in 2004 so I guess this is actually her 8th flowering since I've had her. She even gave me a double spike this year.
So, is there a cure or the end of her if it is a virus?

Lilly,

There is no cure for virus BUT I would definitely not give up on such a beautiful healthy plant that you are attached to so much unless you know for sure!
Call around to some of your local orchid vendors to see if they test plants. If they are not local enough then maybe when a show is near you can meet them there.
Call you local society and do the same; take the plant(s) to the next meeting and have them look closely for opinion(s). If the next meeting is not for a while take more pictures of the blooms and bring them with you.

If you use sterile techniques when cutting and don't have bug problems, keeping the plants relatively isolated will be just fine until you know.

PS. If money is not an issue, you can order tests from Agdia. The supply of 25 will be good for one year. If you have any friends who want to share the order that helps too.
Finally, you can send a piece of the plant off to Critter Creek...just google their name and you will get their site.

[Lilly B]

Thanks for all the help Eyebabe. I think I will try Critter Creek. I don't want to bring her to any meeting if she does have a virus. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm still praying that it's the odd Florida cold that brought on this different coloring.

[ryrycochinco]

Other than changing the color of your bloom,can a virus harm a orchid?

[Lilly B]

I hear 'virus' and I think sick heading towards death. We'll have to wait for Eyebabe to respond because I don't really know. From the photos posted of a flower with a virus it looks to me like the flowers become deformed along with the color change.

I checked the Critter Creek site and the cost of the thread is $5.00 which sounds very reasonable. It doesn't really listed Phals as being an orchid prone to them. I am going to send them an email before I take a sample and see what they have to say.

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by ryrycochinco

Other than changing the color of your bloom,can a virus harm a orchid?

The virus causes a general "failure to thrive".
As the viral load gets higher it will cause spotting on the blooms and leaves etc.
Many virused plants live for decades with infection and do not show signs of a problem.
How to handle virused plants is controversial. I have made my opinion clear previously in debates here on the OB

There are also many plant viruses for which we cannot even test.

I would refer you to search several threads on OB where the topic is discussed

If you talk to most people who collect orchids seriously, CymMV is well tolerated and the infected plant can be safely isolated and bloom nicely. Many of our old classic catts are known CymMV virus carriers such as 'FMB' etc.
On the other hand, a color break virus (ORSV or tobacco mosaic virus) will ruin the plant's blooms and is very contagious and unfortunately collectors will destroy a known positive plant etc.

That is why I felt it was important for Lilly to test her affected plants (2); so that she can have piece of mind in keeping them. Because it sure does look like a color break to me and that's all I meant to say

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by Lilly B

I hear 'virus' and I think sick heading towards death. We'll have to wait for Eyebabe to respond because I don't really know. From the photos posted of a flower with a virus it looks to me like the flowers become deformed along with the color change.

I checked the Critter Creek site and the cost of the thread is $5.00 which sounds very reasonable. It doesn't really listed Phals as being an orchid prone to them. I am going to send them an email before I take a sample and see what they have to say.

Look closely at the first pic I posted which has perfectly formed flowers.
You will see a slight "splash" effect on the edge of the sepals and especially the petals.
This is the color break virus.

[Lilly B]

I appreciate your help and info Eyebabe. I'd rather know then start having an issue with all of them. I may even decide to put her on a mount in the front yard away from the rest depending on what the test shows. I always feel that the reason I joined Orchid Board was to be able to get information from people who are more knowledgeable than I am and to share information with others. Thanks again, Lilly.