Sickly buds

[myzetapie]

I agree with the replies. I learned quickly with my first few orchids that humidity is a must when buds are present. i tried putting them im the bathroom etc and they would drop right before opening. One day i set all my orhids outside ( i live in Florida) and they all thrived. I now leave all of them out in my screened in patio with the fans running and ill hose down the pavement for extra humidity. they seem to love that. drop in temperature at night and light is also essential. humidity trays help if you are in colder areas

[Viperalus]

Originally Posted by myzetapie

humidity trays help if you are in colder areas

I was thinking about that lately... I just saw some trays in an online shop but I never seen them in use (close-up photos for example).
I guess the pots are basket-like to absorb humidity and they sit onto that tray filled with water?

Here in Netherlands everywhere you look there are canals so we have humidity but of course inside the house the conditions differ. For outside at first it would be too cold and secondly in my house I have only windows.

Wait for when I will buy a house with a garden (I have set the intent for that)

[Donald]

I currently have three Phalaenopsis Mericlone P.(Fortune Buddha x Brother Pumpkin) in bloom and on occasion one or two buds will do the same as yours. What the explanation is is beyond me but I cannot see how it would be a lighting issue as the plants bloom three times a year along with various other orchids in my collection. The flowers far outnumber the one or two that wither so I really don't let it bother me, but I do agree it would be nice to have an explanation.

[Viperalus]

Today I went to the store bought the materials and I put a fluorescent lamp above the orchids.

The lamp is a simple Philips TLD 36W
Here are the photos:

Originally Posted by Donald

I currently have three Phalaenopsis Mericlone P.(Fortune Buddha x Brother Pumpkin) in bloom and on occasion one or two buds will do the same as yours. What the explanation is is beyond me but I cannot see how it would be a lighting issue as the plants bloom three times a year along with various other orchids in my collection. The flowers far outnumber the one or two that wither so I really don't let it bother me, but I do agree it would be nice to have an explanation.

Donald, I also feel confused myself because I see everywhere orchids on windows here in Netherlands that are bloomed. I have also observed the buds and they are opening.

[Blueszz]

Looks good but if you want your orchids to profit from the light I think you need to lower it at least with half the distance.... Did you get this lamp at Gamma?

Nicole

[Viperalus]

Yes from Gamma, it's the one we were talking about previously (the TL-armatuur Alpha). I removed the cover from the lamp so it doesn't cut the brightness and intensity of the light.

Ok I will lower it as you suggested. I will also find something to put beneath the smaller orchids so they can get a little higher and benefit more from the light.

[Blueszz]

It really looks good. What did you use to attach the chains, that yellow/brown round thing on both sides?
I too brought some plants closer to the lights by putting them on something. Most times I use a pot that I place up side down. Works well for me.

Hope your Phal's open the buds now without problems.

Nicole

Originally Posted by Viperalus

Yes from Gamma, it's the one we were talking about previously (the TL-armatuur Alpha). I removed the cover from the lamp so it doesn't cut the brightness and intensity of the light.

Ok I will lower it as you suggested. I will also find something to put beneath the smaller orchids so they can get a little higher and benefit more from the light.

[Viperalus]

Those yellow brownish things are for curtains and they were there when we rent the house (we when with my ex).

I simply used stainless wire to support the lamp from the two sides and I left much wire in advance in order (like now) to lose and lower it more.

Yes, pots placed upside down is a good idea to give some height to the small orchids.

Right now I am very tired, I was searching for Gamma in another area, I was by foot (lazy to take the bicycle because it was raining) and I had to walk many kilometers.

I'm off to bed right now

p.s. thanks Nicole, I hope too to open their buds (pray)

[Viperalus]

An early view at 7 in the morning:

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Success! after half day in exposure to the artificial light, the bud opened! She kept it closed for 3-4 days and needed only half day under enough light to open it
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Here is the bigger bud from my Phalaenopsis NOID named 'aouts'. As you cab read at the photo description the photo taken at 7 in the morning.
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and here is the same bud from my 'aouts' orchid at 3:30 in the afternoon! Now it is obvious that they needed more light to continue their spiking.
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More photos taken on 7 am and 3:30 pm


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I am so relieved now

[Blueszz]

Great to hear! How long is the lamp on each day?
Nicole