Orange cymbidium (NOID)
 

We got this one as a gift last year. It was in bloom when we got it and it was much yellower. We thought it was a yellow cymbidium. But this year it bloomed and it is this lovely copper color. Is this a common occurrence when growing environments are changed.

Wow, that is beautiful. Cool weather does bring out the pink pigments in a lot of different flowers. There are plenty of roses, orchids, bulbs that look different when they developed and are flowering in warmer weather or cooler weather.

Here is another cymbidium we have that bloomed earlier, about a month ago. It is Cymbidium Milton Cardenter 'Everglades Gold', and the copper colored one looked a lot like it last year, but not this year. Not complaining

It is not the temperature which is responsible for the color change so much as it is the amount of light. Orchids bloomed in shade may be an entirely different color hue, as you have discovered. Sunlight or a bright light environment brought out the red which was hiding in your yellow cross.

beautiful!

I have a question maybe you could answer. Different genera, bloomed red red first time, rebloom was more maroon. If light made the difference, would it need more light or less light to get the red red back ?

---------- Post added at 11:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 PM ----------

I wouldn't complain about that either......that copper one is GORGEOUS ! ! !

Lovely flowers, and I'm fascinated by the info about the color changes!

Found a picture of it last year. This year it does have four spikes again. You can see a little of the copper color at the base if the flower. I do believe that the amount of light plays a important role in the color

Beautiful colour and the lip! :)

[QUOTE=gngrhill;785711]I have a question maybe you could answer. Different genera, bloomed red red first time, rebloom was more maroon. If light made the difference, would it need more light or less light to get the red red back ?[COLOR="Silver"]

I will guess you might be referring to the Catt Alliance. I suspect a brighter natural light or bright greenhouse condition will give a Catt the lighter red/red color.

In my experience temperature does seem to have an influence on flower colour in Cymbidiums (although not necessarily the cause of the colour change you have seen here), I cant post a link or photos yet but there is a discussion with pictures about this on orchidforum dot eu, look for the thread Spots Ahoy on the cymbidium page

The good part of Forum discussion is that you get many people chiming in with different opinions. The down size is that you have to know enough about the subject to be able to sort the wheat from the chaff. Listen to your common sense and most often it will keep you on the right track.

---------- Post added at 09:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 AM ----------

In viewing the link, the difference here is the marking on the lip as opposed to the color of the flower, which we are discussing here. Yes, temperature will affect the markings on the lip, although I have not seen this dramatic a change. Light affects the overall color of the sepals and petals.

[QUOTE=Cym Ladye;785940]Yes, it is a CTNA which is a Catt alliance. Thank you for your advice, maybe when it goes outside this summer I will get the red back.

Here is an update (new photo) on the cooper colored cymbidium. You cannot take a bad picture of this one

That is beautiful !

So pretty! Love the copper.

It really is a beauty, I want it! I will only hope that some day I will get mine to bloom.

Looks like an Enzan Forest 'Majolica'
At least in the updated photo it does

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

This plant will be darker in more light and lighter in less light

Cymbidiums will definitely lighten in color as the flower ages. Bright light as the flowers open may also dilute the intensity of the color. Although cymbidiums require very bright light year around, putting them in deep shade as flowers open will result in more vivid colors.
The orange color is gorgeous. A real stunner!

Thanks to all, for the likes on this and to Bobharris on the ID. Here is the latest new photo in full bloom. As JambaJungle said the oldest of the spikes is the lightest. Hope you all are in good health and good spirits as spring draws near. I don't know why it keeps on uploading the photo sideways. I tried to upload it several times and it always uploaded it sideways. Enjoy it sideways then.

[QUOTE=gngrhill;785711]I have a question maybe you could answer. Different genera, bloomed red red first time, rebloom was more maroon. If light made the difference, would it need more light or less light to get the red red back ?[COLOR="Silver"]

---------- Post added at 11:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 PM ----------

I would say if the second time it bloomed darker, use less light...but it could be other factors effecting the bloom color too, its hard to say.

Bright light will affect colors of Cyms differently. For whites and greens, deep shade will clarify whites and result in deeper, clearer greens. Sun will cause most greens to yellow and whites to blush. However, sunlight on reds, roses, yellows and oranges IN THE BUD STAGE will result in deeper and more vivid colors but if kept in sun after they open, will cause premature fading, especially of the red shades.

That is a fantastic color!


Andrew L.A.