If some change in the node causes a impl_transformsChanged()  before the node has a parent, is possible the orientation in the parent will not be propagated to the text node.

Example:
   public void start(Stage stage) {
       Pane pane = new Pane();
       pane.setNodeOrientation(NodeOrientation.RIGHT_TO_LEFT);
       Text text1 = new Text("text1.");
       text1.setLayoutX(20); //this sets transform changed
       text1.setLayoutY(20);
       pane.getChildren().addAll(text1);//transform changed wont be called again
       //poking the node fixes it, try uncommenting:
//       text1.setLayoutY(text1.getLayoutY()+1);
       Scene s = new Scene(pane, 200, 200);
       stage.setScene(s);
       stage.show();
   }