Direct sunlight = flowers drying up?

[orchidjunky]

I know this might sound like a dumb question but.. i have oncidium sharry babies in a window that gets a lot of morning sun from 7-11 in the morning... one onc that was in flower when i bought it.. some of the flowers i noticed are drying out and falling off and im not sure if this is due to being in bloom for so long or getting too much sunlight... any input would be appreciated

[A de Lioncourt]

Originally Posted by orchidjunky

I know this might sound like a dumb question but.. i have oncidium sharry babies in a window that gets a lot of morning sun from 7-11 in the morning... one onc that was in flower when i bought it.. some of the flowers i noticed are drying out and falling off and im not sure if this is due to being in bloom for so long or getting too much sunlight... any input would be appreciated

If you bought it in full bloom, it's a good possibility that it is just time for the blooms to go. However, too much sunlight can cause this too. Most orchids when in bloom are not actively growing, so less sunlight and water is required. If it's a plant that only blooms for a couple or three weeks, I generally take it to another room where it can be more prominently displayed.

Additionally early flower drops can come from the air being too dry(especially if the plant is near a draft,) from misting the flowers, and from touching the flowers. That particular orchid blooms pretty freely, so you should be able to enjoy some more blooms in 3-4 months with proper care.

P.S.
That type of orchid can take a little more sun than most, but keep an eye on the leaves to make sure it's not getting too much. Morning sun is better for growth being more blue/green, but closer to the time it blooms you may wish to move it to an evening sun window where the redder light will help it store more energy to bloom.

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[Tindomul]

I have mine in the same regimen. It could be that yours was not used to such strong light and burned, or the flowers were ready to go. They usually only last a month at max, or less.

[Dorothy]

There is a general term called bud blast where buds will prematurely wilt/shrivel due to environment changes .. Although this is happening to your flowers, it's the same principle