Genetic Heritage of This Very Variable Mini Phalaenopsis?
 

I have had this miniature Phalaenopsis for about two years. It reblooms readily and seems sturdy. Each time it blooms the flowers have looked quite different:

Here's an album of the three times it's bloomed (you'll have to put in the http code...I can't post URL links yet ):(:


//imgur.com/a/ERppW


Do any of you have specimens that do this and does anyone know of the general genetics of a flower such as this?




*** edited to post link to photo album *** WR

I think that the changes like this are due to how much light the plant is getting as the spike and buds are developing, and fertilizer nutrients may have something to do with it too.

Edit: By the way, it is very pretty (I seem to have a thing for spotty phals).

Yes, growing conditions probably do play into the morphing of the flower. The room can get up to 90°F days, down to 60° in summer nights, and then the winter temps are around 70° high to 57° low.

Since it is a rapid rebloomer it has formed spikes in all sorts of weather.

It is just the only one out of my modest collection that does this amazing feat.

I like spotty phals, too. I love the big polka dot harlequins and always have to restrain myself from buying yet another one.

Am I correct that this is a cross between two different species? The smaller 'wild-type'* flower is so different from the other big and mini phal shapes.

*my nomenclature, one not necessarily accurate.

Def. not a primary hybrid (a cross btwn two species)... Most likely a complex hybrid, especially if you got it from a big box/grocery/florist type store. :)

Oh well, the down-side of collection building at Home Depot and Walmart :biggrin: No identifiers. Other than my 'Baldans' Kaleidoscope Golden Treasure' and my 'Flora Gigi Candy Stripe' variegated Phal, the rest are nameless beauties.

One of my favorites, as a matter of fact, IS from Walmart; a medium-large pastel pink/yellow Phal with little pucker 'eyes' and a somewhat ragged edge that appears to make multiple spikes. Whenever I've made enough posts I'll be able to show you.

---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------

Here's that Walmart special:

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/WeJbFhh.jpg[/IMG]

Oohh, that is a pretty one!

Yep, truly a lovely one!
I have one that lookes like her a bit, bit more on the pink side, some flowers being that special, while others are more like the common type! My favorite phal!