Is this some sort of disease?

[Irielicious]

My new mini phalaenopsis seems to have a silvery hue to her leaves is this a sign of some sort of infection???

I tried cleaning the leaves with mild soap and alcohol, the colour remained the same. Her flowers seem to look like little buttercups too is that something that is fairly normal for some hybrids? Thanks ahead of time for y'alls help!!!

[JambaJungle]

The flower form is actually a genetic mutation, getting rather common in phals, referred to as peloric. The two petals are actually mutating trying to become lips. The degree of mutation can be slight to very severe, resulting in a wide range of effects. The "splash" cats are actually mild versions of the same peloric mutation. It is also the reason most splash cats have cupped flower shapes. It has become so common in phal crosses that growers are selling them off as intentional creations. Actually, a few growers are cloning mutated plants and bringing them to market. The mutation appears to be very severe in your plant. The petals appear to be almost fully formed lips. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many collectors look at this as undesirable mutations which are to be destroyed, yet others seek out and collect mutated plants.
As for the silver sheen, I can not be of much help. I am not a big phal grower, and I have not seen this before. It does not look harmful. It reminds me a bit of a mite infestation, but i don't think that is it. Also possible to bright of light, but again, it is very mild. I would not worry about it unless is is progressive.

[estación seca]

The sheen is on the older growth. My guess is it has to do with how much light the plant got. The large, half-silvery leaf was half grown when conditions changed. The newest leaf has developed under new conditions.

[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by JambaJungle

The flower form is actually a genetic mutation, getting rather common in phals, referred to as peloric. The two petals are actually mutating trying to become lips. The degree of mutation can be slight to very severe, resulting in a wide range of effects. The "splash" cats are actually mild versions of the same peloric mutation. It is also the reason most splash cats have cupped flower shapes. It has become so common in phal crosses that growers are selling them off as intentional creations. Actually, a few growers are cloning mutated plants and bringing them to market. The mutation appears to be very severe in your plant. The petals appear to be almost fully formed lips. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many collectors look at this as undesirable mutations which are to be destroyed, yet others seek out and collect mutated plants.
As for the silver sheen, I can not be of much help. I am not a big phal grower, and I have not seen this before. It does not look harmful. It reminds me a bit of a mite infestation, but i don't think that is it. Also possible to bright of light, but again, it is very mild. I would not worry about it unless is is progressive.

Thanks JambaJungle for your answer! I thought it might be that but the problem is that those two petals are the same colors as the other pedals? I guess I will see how it goes next blooming period lol. Thanks again for your help!

---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by estación seca

The sheen is on the older growth. My guess is it has to do with how much light the plant got. The large, half-silvery leaf was half grown when conditions changed. The newest leaf has developed under new conditions.

The small leaf is also that same silvery color which is odd...I was just worried it was a virus/bacteria I just hope it is not as I now have a spider mite issue going on too lol. When it rains it pours!!!

[JambaJungle]

Actually, there are only two petals. The other three are sepals. The petals and lip develop inside of the 3 sepals. This difference accounts for why the petals morph but not the sepals. The fact the sepals and petals share similar color and markings is to be expected, especially in a phal.
It is difficult to see the base of the petals in the photo due to how the flower is so tightly cupped. It appears they may actually be notched, similar to the lip. If so, it is a very strong peloric effect.

[ccrow]

Yours looks like this little one of mine I like the smaller spots; mine's kind of blotchy. I agree, the lighter color on the leaves is from higher light level. I tried cleaning it off too, the first time I saw it on one of mine

[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by ccrow

Yours looks like this little one of mine I like the smaller spots; mine's kind of blotchy. I agree, the lighter color on the leaves is from higher light level. I tried cleaning it off too, the first time I saw it on one of mine

Wow she is adorable even if some would think plants like ours are meant to be destroyed!!! Thanks for sharing!

---------- Post added at 02:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------

Originally Posted by JambaJungle

Actually, there are only two petals. The other three are sepals. The petals and lip develop inside of the 3 sepals. This difference accounts for why the petals morph but not the sepals. The fact the sepals and petals share similar color and markings is to be expected, especially in a phal.
It is difficult to see the base of the petals in the photo due to how the flower is so tightly cupped. It appears they may actually be notched, similar to the lip. If so, it is a very strong peloric effect.

Interesting! Thanks for the information I should really read up more about the plant itself not just how to keep it alive lol. Thanks again for the information...it was rather eye-opening!

[ccrow]

Originally Posted by JambaJungle

Many collectors look at this as undesirable mutations which are to be destroyed, yet others seek out and collect mutated plants.

I 'm in the second category; I think the pelorics are fascinating and have several of them. This is one of my favorites.

[JambaJungle]

My mantra is if it makes you happy, do it! If these types of mutations fascinate you, by all means collect them.
In theory, all hybrid orchids are a mutation, forcing nature to do something she would never achieve on her own. There are staunch purists out there such as Andy of Andy's Orchids who only collect species and feel there is no place for hybrids of any kind. My opinion is simple, if I like it, I grow it. (or at least attempt to!)

[wintergirl]

If you have spider mites then the pattern on your phal leaves is most likely due to that.