color break? splotchy colored bloom. infected plant?
 

I had a handful of recent acquisitions from Trader Joe's...and this was one of them.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2849.jpg

it started with bud blast...but the main spike seemed unaffected at first, just all the other spikes that branched off from it. the main spike still bloomed...and then put out that little blotchy flower. I had just cut the other spikes down...I tried to keep my tools clean, but I'm sure I cross-contaminated something. ><

so I've been reading it's probably virused and I need to test it to know for sure...right? I really need to know if my other plants are infected, especially the two with keiki growing and the one with the seed pod...and the one my mom gave me that I've yet to see bloom. how can I go about finding out?

To me it doesn't look typical for a Virus infection. I would consider an influence from temperature changes or chemical influence from an insecticide or fungizide.

That's my impression, as well.

*exhales* if that's it, maybe it's the temperature - I'm in Texas and my apartment is starting to keep on the warmer side, some days topping out just shy of 80º. you guys think that would cause this? I haven't been moving the plant around except to water it, and I've otherwise just been watering it with the same water as the others or using the same fertilizer as the others...I don't think it's been exposed to any harmful chemicals.

Most likely just variation in the plant. Not all blooms will be the same. Not to worry. Just enjoy the flower. Phals last a long time. Here is color break brought on by a virus. But the flowers are still beautiful.

yes they are...is the difference then streaky as opposed to blotchy?

Viruses cause many different symptoms. Blotchy, streaked flowers, discolored foliage and misshapen flowers. There are many different viruses. Some never affect the plant outwardly.

Also bud blasting can result from the work of virus.
You can only tell for sure by testing. the only way.

With so many beautiful phal hybrids commonly available in rather low price, I would only test them if they are very unique or personally attached.
Otherwise, I just get healthy looking one (not neccesarily virus free) in abundant bloom and toss it when done.

I do keep quite a few phals year around, and those are the one that have sentimental value, are rare, or grow and flower well under my care.

Yes. I forgot to add that. Yes there are so many really attractive phals out there for not much money and if you can afford them you can toss them ....or.....give them a home by donating them to an orchid club or friend. I'd love to see your place. I'll bet it looks nice with all those orchids. I bring mine in sometimes and then the pklace gets crowded and I forget to take them back out when they are finished. I'll loo on the table and wonder what science experiment that is. Usually it looks like a crumpled Frankenstein sculpture. Heheheh.