MY BABY IS NOT FEELING GOOD - Orchid Board

MSJESSI · #1 02-08-2011, 12:16 PM

, I AM NEW TO ALL OF THIS, AND I HAVE ONE ORCHID AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DENDROBIUM. PRETTY FUSIA COLORED FLOWERS. IT WAS DOWN AT MY AUNTS HOUSE AND IT WAS JUST RECENTLY SENT BACK TO ME. IT HAS A NEW STALK FULL OF BLOOMS, BUT NOW I HAVE NOTICED THAT A FEW OF THE BUDS ARE STARTING TO SHRIVEL UP LIKE A RAISIN. BUT SOME STILL LOOK OK.ALSO, THE ONE THAT CRACKED OPEN FIRST IS THE ONE THAT WENT FIRST, THEN THE LITTLE ONES AT THE END OF THE STALK. THEY'RE PINKISH IN COLOR. I TRY TO ONLY WATER ONCE A WEEK, CAUSE I WAS TOLD NOT TO REPOT WHILE IN BLOOM. IT'S IN A CERAMIC CUP THAT SEEMS VERY TIGHT. WHAT SHOULD I DO? I HATE TO LOSE MY PRETTY LITTLE BABY. PLEASE ANY HELP WILL BE WELCOMED.

Lana · #2 02-08-2011, 01:34 PM

MSJESSI, could you please post a picture? It's very hard to give advice without actually seeing a problem. Bud blast might be due to just change of environment, or a big root problem. In the first case, there's nothing you can do, in the second, you need to act as quickly as you can.

Lana · #3 02-08-2011, 01:38 PM

Look at the pot in which your plant is now. It's ok that it's tight, but it should have a drainage hole. If it doesn't, your orchid is suffocating; its roots need to dry out quickly. Check the roots if you can. The good roots will be firm to the touch. As of re-potting when in bloom... first, your orchid might not mind it that much, and second, it's better to have a healthy plant that'll reward you with flowers later, than to kill it altogether.

MSJESSI · #4 02-08-2011, 02:06 PM

I wish I could. Don't have a way to download on this computer, and my son is at school till 5:30. I can try and post one tomorrow. But they look just like raisins! The first bud to start to open and the smaller ones at the end are the ones that are looking bad. What roots I see, seem to look fine. I do thank you for the quick response. Also, the other buds look fine.

Lana · #5 02-08-2011, 02:28 PM

I know exactly what you're talking about; that has happened with my orchids before. There could be so many reasons for it! That's why the pics might help. Another thing that can affect buds (provided the roots are ok and it's not due to the change of the environment) is low humidity. This part is easy to change; simply place your orchid pot on the tray of pebbles with a little water, so water doesn't touch the bottom of the pot.

MSJESSI · #6 02-08-2011, 02:33 PM

Thanx for your help. It is greatly appreciated. I will give that a try. Again thank you. I will try and get a pic as soon as possible.

Jessica