Hi everyone! Is this bud blast on my phals or do they just sometimes look wrinkly in the beginning stages? If it is bud blast anyway to stop this? Thanks
Bud blast... It happens easily. A cold draft, a change in temperature (colder or significantly warmer), or humidity drop, any abrupt change in environment can do it. If it's a new plant, it had its environment changed and it didn't like something... If the plant is healthy, it may send out a side branch in a month or two - so don't cut the spike. If not, patience... nurture it and it will eventually do another spike.
I've even heard keeping plants around ripe fruit can do such a thing as well.
From the AOS website: "Orchid buds are sensitive to fumes from paint, natural gas leaks and other chemicals. Once pollinated, flowers generate methane gas, causing them to collapse and saving energy for seed production. Methane or ethylene gas from other sources may also trigger bud or flower collapse. Ethylene gas given off by ripening fruit; gas leaks; inefficient burning of gas stoves or heaters; engine exhaust; cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke; open fires; smog or air pollution can also cause bud blast and age and distort open flowers."