Phrag. D'alessandroi Malformed Flower Problem

[Kelly Millard]

Hello! I am relatively new to orchid growing, and this is my first time posting here. First, I do know a bit about the controversy surrounding the D'alessandroi/Bessae var... nomenclature. I have not had this phrag genetically sequenced lol. I believe it is primarily a D'alessandroi because it has had multiple blooms at the same time, and the sepals/petals are very narrow, not more broad like the bessae types I have seen. That being said, this one has been blooming for some time, the better part of a year, and the last 2 flowers were mutated or malformed or something. The blooms have never lasted very long, even the normal looking ones, and would come off the inflorescence with the slightest provocation. It currently has 2 buds about to bloom and 2 new growths that appear to be developing normally. I'm just curious what could be causing this, and if maybe I should cut the spike so it can conserve energy. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ray]

Blossom malformation can be from any number of causes - thrips, drastic variations in culture, the use of hormones, etc.

 

[Kelly Millard]

Blossom malformation can be from any number of causes - thrips, drastic variations in culture, the use of hormones, etc.

I don't have pests, my culture is pretty static, and I don't use hormones. I do use Superthrive maybe twice a month.

 

[Duck Slipper]

I don't have pests, my culture is pretty static, and I don't use hormones. I do use Superthrive maybe twice a month.

I have quite a few Phrags. and raised a flask of D'alessandroi. A phrag dropping a flower is not unusual, especially compared to Paphs.
As for the malformed flowers, the last two blooms on the spike were the problem...correct?? In my opinion, something caused the problem. Hard to say what, but I think your next blooming will be OK.

 

[Ray]

I don't have pests, my culture is pretty static, and I don't use hormones. I do use Superthrive maybe twice a month.

Superthrive’s primary ingredient is the synthetic hormone naphthalene acetic acid, but depending upon how old the stuff is, how you’ve been storing it, and how much you’re applying, it seems doubtful that would be the issue.

 

[NYEric]

Your culture has the bottom of the pot sitting in water, are the roots drowning? Also, what temps are you keeping?