Paph. Helvetia mutation

[jenn]

I have had this Paph for years. It is a big, robust (almost weed-like) plant. It gives multiple spikes which sequentially bloom at least twice a year. A generous plant indeed, but I have always wondered why many of the blooms will have a deformed staminode. The hybrid has such a lovely flower when it is "normal", I am hoping there might be something I could do to prevent these mutations. Here is a photo...

[smartie2000]

if many of the blooms are like that then I would predict that it is a genetic flaw. Unfortunately we can't do much about that. Based on the frequency of blooming, your culture seems fine

[jenn]

If it were a genetic defect wouldn't all the blooms be affected?

[smartie2000]

not all blooms are created equal on a plant. For example a harlequin phal has different spotting on each bloom.
I have a similar cross (judge phillip) and the pouches on many blooms can come out with streaks on the pouch. However the ease of its blooming makes up for the defects

[jenn]

I was thinking about, as an example, a peloric Phal. Sometimes with rooting hormone or by some other fluke a Phal that is not, will have peloric blooms and then go on to not do so again, but the truly peloric Phal will not vary. I have noticed variations in flower quality and color based on variables like light, temp, health of plant, etc., but with this plant, the structure is changed. I find it strange that not all the flowers on the same inflorescence will show the mutation. I just don't know for sure what is causing this.

You're probably right, it's probably just a weird glitch this guy is prone to. I remain hopeful it could be something I could "fix".

Thanks!