Could this be a work of virus??

[NYCorchidman]

I recently purchased two vandas in vase.
Both plants show some minor streaks on the flowers.

The "blue" flower has the largest streak along the center near the end of the petal. On the back side of this same spot is the same large streak. 11 O'clock direction just to clarify. I know the white "vein" near the center of the flower is normal.

The pink flower has smaller circular mark that looks like watercolor paint that has been smeared, this type of marks also appear in greater numbers on the back of the petals and sepals.

Experienced vanda growers, is this common and normal for vanda flowers? or is this something I should worry about??

[tucker85]

I don't think those small spots indicate a virus. It might be a stain from something in the water or from a chemical. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm not even sure if color break occurs in vandas. I've only seen it on cattleyas, but it's obvious when it does occur.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree with Tucker. Your flowers look pretty normal.

Color break in Cattleya alliance flowers is pretty obvious when it occurs. Almost looks like the the flowers have light-colored or dark-colored streaky sores on them. In bad cases, flowers are misshapen.

I tried Googling color break in Vanda flowers, could not find images, so Tucker may be right that it may not occur in Vanda.

I have seen it in Phalaenopsis. Flowers are misshapen/malformed, not symmetrical, petal edges are uneven/ragged. I saw this most recently in a public garden - have a photo if I can remember to post it. Maybe Vandas would be similar? Don't know for sure.

[LovePhals]

I am a novice, but they also look normal to me. I am also intrigued to how they are growing, can you show the whole plants? The flowers are very pretty!

[FSUOrchids]

Yeah that's not a virus. Some kind of environmental thing I guess.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Don't see anything wrong.

Test for virus anyways.

[HighSeas]

YEP! They are both virused. Badly too. You'll need to pack them up and send them to me ASAP so that I can include them in my study!