Phal - new buds wilting

[NTN]

My phal recently started getting a bunch of new buds but before they've even grown (smaller than black peppercorns) some of them have already shriveled up and wilted. Is there a way to prevent this in the future? What's causing it?
Thanks.

[zxyqu]

Tough to say without more growing information. I'd vote maybe a sudden change in environment (draft/heat/humidity drop), but I've never been able to really peg it down. From my experience with in house blooms, when they die it's almost always because I bring them from one room to another (so I can see them!). But who knows really. Phals are really prone to bud blast

[Zoi2]

I agree with zxyqu: who knows why they blast.
I've had them blast that small due to a drop in humidity. Did you move the plant or did your conditions change?
Joann

[NTN]

Nope, I only move them when it's watering time, which is once every week/two weeks.
At least 3 out of the 6 seem to make it, I'm crossing my fingers.
Thanks for the replies =)

[zxyqu]

Weird. Did you notice a cold snap or sudden heat wave in your area? Hopefully some will make it!

[Orchid126]

Some phal blooms, especially white, can often be huge.

[RosieC]

Interesting, mine that grow huge flowers are white flowers with coloured lips. Their buds can really get massive before they open.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

How cold's the water you use to water them?

How's the humidity where you're at?

How're the roots doing?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Maybe these videos of Phalaenopsis in the wild will help you understand their needs better:

‪Visiting Phalaenopsis cornucervi (orchid) habitat in the swamp of Borneo-part 1‬‏ - YouTube

‪Visiting Phalaenopsis cornucervi (orchid) habitat in the swamp of Borneo-part 2‬‏ - YouTube

‪Visiting Phalaenopsis cornucervi (orchid) habitat in the swamp of Borneo-part 3‬‏ - YouTube

‪Visiting Phalaenopsis cornucervi (orchid) habitat in the swamp of Borneo-part 4‬‏ - YouTube

‪Visiting Phalaenopsis cornucervi (orchid) habitat in the swamp of Borneo-part 5‬‏ - YouTube

‪Phalaenopsis in natural habitat ( in situ)‬‏ - YouTube

[cythaenopsis]

I bought a phal orchid from an Ikea that appeared quite healthy, with 4 blooming flowers and 2 buds. Two days after I brought it home, the buds had shriveled up and fell off when touched. The flowers continued on without problems.

I do believe that change in environment can cause this. The plant is unsure about what's going on, so it goes "conservative" by delaying new growth or "nipping in the bud" growth that is just starting. It may also be possible that a plant will start out with more buds than it plans to keep, and then based on the available nutrients and availability of water, it allows a few of the buds to die off. This provides more resources for the flowers that will bloom. That's just my layman theory. I'm no botanist!