Environmental Effects
on Flowers
Growing orchids is a fascinating hobby. Just when you think you've seen them all, a new variety or color you've never seen shows up! We've been in the business for over 36 years now, and we still are amazed at the bold new varieties, colors, and shapes.
Many of us pore over photos in books and on the web, and order certain varieties, looking for that one "special" flower that captivates us.
One thing to keep in mind is that many of these rare and fascinating varieties are grown from seed, which is the only economical way to produce quantities of species for sale. When grown from seed, each plant is uniquely different from it's siblings, just like human progeny! They come from the same parents, yet each has it's own special qualities. Some plants may have a bit larger flower, some with more pigmentation, some with heavier markings, or none at all! Basic colors and shapes may remain similar in a population of seedlings, but minor (and sometimes major) variations are bound to occur.
The environment in which your plant is grown will also produce variances in the flowers. Brighter light, as if grown in a greenhouse, will sometimes produce larger, brighter-colored flowers and sometimes more flowers per stem. The various fertilizers and vitamins used on plants can also produce different degrees of lustre and color in flowers. When a weak plant flowers, often it will produce a small, imperfect flower, but if grown out well, the flowers will improve over the years.
Cloned varieties always bloom out closer to their advertised photo, but can vary due to light, humidity, and feeding schemes. If you are looking for a specific color on a certain plant variety, you may want to consider buying the plants in bloom, so that there are no surprises. (Most of us have know at least a few pairs of identical twins-clones!-in our lives. Once examined closely, however, small physical differences are always evident!)
We feel that the variances in color makes the orchid hobby more fascinating and unique. These plants that capture us are living things, and no two living things are (nor should be!) "exactly" alike! If you embrace the differences and appreciate the individual beauty of all living things you will be well on your way to living a happy life!
Vive le difference!
Bon chance,
Liese
rescue; half-shepherd and half ?. She appears to be very intelligent and seems, at this juncture, to be a good hire. Drop by and introduce yourself to her, if you can!
