Can anybody tell me what's wrong with this Phrag? In the beginning I thought that the next flower would look alright, but they all look the same.


http://usera.imagecave.com/Milda/Milda_album02/phrag_memdickclements-copy.jpg

You might also look into this post. The first and the third photo are this Phrag.
http://www.rainbowcomputers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=385&highlight=

Milda

Perhaps a pointier pouch than I would expect but it appears to take after the var sargentianum in shape much more than the besseae flavum which appears to have been the cross. I personally don't think there's anything 'wrong' with it and it's pretty. Guess you finally scared it into blooming?

Maybe something in your watering routine? New fert? Lack of water? Superevil I meant Superthrive? Congrats on getting it to flower! Sorry they didn't turn out so great! Is this a first time bloomer for you? It may just be it's cycle, and the next seasons spike will be nicer. Or did you buy this from someone who maybe had seen the flowers and wanted to get rid of it? Some of the phragxperts will answer this better than I.

Yes, like Tadd said if it is a first time bloomer, wait til it blooms again on another mature growth and see how the flowers come out. It could be anything from lighting to fertilizing to watering. Good luck!

I think it's the third time it's in bloom, and the flowers look just the same.
Or did you buy this from someone who maybe had seen the flowers and wanted to get rid of it?
Well, I have been thinking of that, but it's nothing I can do about that now. Anyway, don't want to give it away either.....

Milda

It definately looks crooked & slightly mishappened from something so maybe it could be genetic if it's done this before when it bloomed.You said this was the 3rd time( you didn't mean the 3rd bud opening did you?)

If it is the 3rd flower to look this way(this year) don't get rid of it. If it is the 3rd time this has happened in 3 years on different spikes. Keep it for the novelty of it or dump it off. It is up to you. Good Luck!

It has happened on three different spikes. I got it 2 1/2 years ago, and I got the first flower in January.

Milda

after looking at this and the other thread, what's the chance the stripes and deformed flowers are because the plant is virused?
do you have (did the plant come with) thrips? those sometimes cause misshapen flowers

after looking at this and the other thread, what's the chance the stripes and deformed flowers are because the plant is virused?
do you have (did the plant come with) thrips? those sometimes cause misshapen flowers

Always a chance, although the 'common wisdom' (whatever that means) is that paphs and phrags don't usually show virus. That doesn't mean they don't have viruses (they almost certainly do), but most growers studiously avoid thinking about it.

Regardless, I think I would free up valuable growing space and compost this one. If it is deformed on repeated bloomings, it isn't going to get better regardless of if it is genetics or virus. On the chance that it is virus, you are definitely better off getting rid of it. Don't give it to somebody, just throw it out. It hurts to do that sometimes, but it is definitely the right thing to do.

Rob

There are no thrips on the plant, and so far I know there hasn't been either. I have been thinking that virus or some kind of genetics has caused the deformed flowers and the miscoulored leaves. Seems like it's going to orchid heaven pretty soon :(

:? Milda :?

I know this is sentimental, but the flower does have pretty colors. I really would hate to throw it out. I'd find it another place away from your other plants and give it a try.

Could you consider repotting it and trimming the roots after it is done blooming? Then keep it away from your other plants? Are you using any fertilizer on it? Are you using a fertilizer called "Super Thrive?" That fertilizer may cause deformities on blooms. (Thanks Tadd, you said it first! I agree.)