Causes of discoloration

[englandfx]

Well my phal is having new buds opening with really light lips, almost looks like the color of the lip is washed out.

The older bloom has a really nice deep rich dark pink color on their lips, while the new ones that open looks all washed out.

Here is a picture to show you what I mean: The lower one is the older bloom, and the upper one is the newer bloom. Notice how washed out the color is for the lip of the newer one.



So I have no clue as to why the new buds are opening with a very dull lip color (very washed out) as compared to the older blooms... the newer blooms also seem to be smaller in size as well.

I have waited for like a week... and the bloom is still washed out in color and still remains smaller in size..

Any ideas what is going on?

[kmarch]

I suspect the darker flower opened under brighter light conditions? I sometimes see more intense colours coming from orchids grown toward the high end of their recommended light ranges.

[englandfx]

hmm that could probably be it. Cuz my room isn't as bright as it was in the nursery.
At first i thought maybe the orchid was lacking or has used up all the nutrients and hence the newer blooms are weaker in color ...

[dorothea]

I usually get the opposite - darker, more rich colors. maybe you should move your phal closer to the window?