Propane Heater Causing Bud Blast?

[jmrathbun]

A friend tells me he sees a lot of bud blast on his phals, especially in the winter months. The room has an unvented propane fireplace with a slight chemical odor when he first lights it. Could toxic gasses from this heater be causing his problem with bud blast on phals? He says they keep a window cracked for ventilation.

[rbarata]

Could toxic gasses from this heater be causing his problem with bud blast on phals?

Probably.Even the presence of rippening fruit near an orchid can cause it due to the release of ethylene, for ex.
But without knowing your cultural conditions it's hard to tell if the heater is the cause.
Low humidity can cause it too...

See this.

[Ray]

Yep. Incomplete combustion from a dirty or poorly-tuned burner can create ethylene...

[claypot]

I agree. I have used propane heaters in my greenhouses for many years but good ventilation is paramount. Servicing of the burner is also critical to ensure clean burning.
Properly maintained heaters and good ventilation have not given me any problems whatsoever.