Tiny buds on phals drying up and falling off?

[solo1979]

What causes this? In the past few months, I've had this happen with a few blooming phals. Other blooms will still be opening, while these little guys on the end of the spike start to dry up and fall off. Any thoughts on what might be going on?

Solana

[Ross]

Originally Posted by solo1979

What causes this? In the past few months, I've had this happen with a few blooming phals. Other blooms will still be opening, while these little guys on the end of the spike start to dry up and fall off. Any thoughts on what might be going on?

Solana

Don't know what causes this, but I've had it occasionally as well. Not too often, but once in a while. Maybe humidity?

[Pinkcat]

My ortho book says bud blast is caused by temperature fluctuations and dramatic changes in environment. This always happens to me when I bring home an in bud phal. So frustrating...

[gmdiaz]

I know that orchids in the process of blooming need more water and fertilizer, along with consistently good humidity, 50% or more, and of course, not too much of a change in temperature. . .or they'll drop their buds.

[justatypn]

There are a few things that could be happening, has there been a temperature change? Is the plant to dry or wet (to wet causes root rot, have you looked at the roots)? How about your watering regimen softened water or clean water (rain water, reverse osmosis)? Possibly a fertilizing shock...to much fertilizer? Could there be a cool draft? What about new carpet, refinishing wood (fumes)? Do you move the plants when they are close to blooming to enjoy the flowering process, change of environment is another possibility. With phalaenopsis it could be just about anything, all a process of elimination. :

[solo1979]

Thanks guys! I'm guilty of pretty much all the above except not enough fertilizer. I fertilize weekly. But my place tends to stay on the dry side. Since these guys are blooming, they are in decorative pots on my night stand and not in humidity trays. And temp changes? LOL! Chicago is crazy right now. It's anywhere between 50 and 90 degrees in a matter of days lately. So one minute, I have the A/C on, the next I'm opening a window, it's crazy! Add that with my policy of repotting everyone when they get home, blooming or not and I guess it makes sense now.

[justatypn]

I look at it as no different than when a newborn crys, they can't tell you what is bothering them so you have to play the process of elimination game until you get it right.

Recently one of my phals were in bloom what a nice way to wake up in the morning and see, by the time I got home from work the 2 other buds blasted...I had moved this one to the middle of the nook where the air circulation is a bit more than it's original growing environment...so but a lessoned learned.

It's all a part of our growing process...if it was any easier would it be worthy?

[solo1979]

Boy do I miss my first apartment. Just threw the phals in an eastern facing bay window, watered once a week, fertilized maybe twice a month and those babies just thrived. They stayed in the window all year long and seemed to like the little bit of cooler draft they got in the winter. The apartment was tiny and the humidity from the shower would steam up the windows everywhere, so I never had to worry about it being too dry. I used to laugh when people would ask how I kept orchids, oh they are so difficult. Yeah, not laughing anymore!

[thakshila smith]

they need enough water and humidity I suppose .I got one phal .it bloomed nicely with watering .
newborn cries .That is good one.
I think re potting caused some thing too. disturbed roots.

[solo1979]

Yes, repotting could have something to do with it and I know they say you are never supposed to repot while in bloom but I like to get everyone in fresh mix and examine the roots to know the overall picture of the plant.