Question
We bought a hybrid phalaenopsis orchid a month ago.  One of the flowers bloomed recently and looked awkward.  Upon closer inspection, the flower was upside down.  I mean the dorsal sepal is on the bottom and the labellum is on top, facing down.  There are one or 2 more buds that have yet to bloom.  Does this aberration occur often?

Answer
David, it may be an aberration, but it also could be a function of how the plant was grown. The peduncle (part that connects to the flower) is highly photropic (responds to light).  If, while the bud is growing, the position of the plant relative to its light source changes, this can cause the flower to twist out of its normal position.  The general recommendation on an emerging flower spike is retain its position relative to the light source until the flowers open.