I bought this phal orchid at a grocery store because its labellums hang vertically. I never seen this before, not even in pictures when I search for it on google. I was wondering if it has any specific name or maybe even if it had a genetic defect (I’m not sure how defects work). Could my orchid possibly be sick? Also, the new buds that come in also have low hanging labellums like the rest of the orchid.
This is genetic - the type of orchid is referred to as "big foot". (If you search for "big foot Phalaenopsis" you will see lots of examples) It is bred to have a lip that mimics the petals (peloric) So the breeders did this on purpose. It is an example of one of the "novelty" breeding lines. It probably was a mutation at some point, and a breeder saw an opportunity to sell something new.
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Rooted in South Florida....