Paphs bud, then blast. Can you help me?

[pedidiva]

Hi~~

I have a few paphs. 2 of them have set up nice spikes, nice buds, then NADA. After discerning that the buds were dead--I looked at the roots (looked good). Nothing in the growing conditions had changed. Humidity is good, temp is good, not too much light, etc.

Any suggestions? I have another one that has a nie bud--it looks pretty well developed & the bit of fower that I can see looks pinkish. The bud looks plump & healthy.

Any help would be appreciated.

Pedi

[dounoharm]

right off i would say humidity is a problem....but you say your humidity is fine....no bugs?? and you havent compromised the roots??? you keep a steady moisture level? paphs dont like to dry out completely....i cant imagine what it could be if you have those factors under control....you arent putting them in a draft are you? post pics of it as it happens and maybe we can fig it out.....gl

[RJSquirrel]

bud drops bec plant is going dry in between watering. dont let them go dry...

bud drops from rapid changes in temps and or humidity...dont move them around in the windows after the bud sets. dont take them into the bath so you can sing to them in the shower.

bud drops from too much water. just keep them moist and make sure the bottom of the pot is almost dry before you water again.

bud drops from water getting down into the spike crease and causes rot. dont water the plant water the mix when you have buds.

bud drops from not enough light. that goes with too much water..not enough light to use the water..you need light to use water and paphs in spike typically need more light.

bud drops from too much light.. it got roasted you gave it too much light .goes with not moving it around once the bud sets.. east window or patio is best for growing and blooming

and the top reason for bud drops...no reason at all...they just drop...

you have to pay attention to everything at once

[dounoharm]

very well put squirrel....

[jrodpad]

What RJ said. He's got it down cold.

The only thing not on the list is mealies. Did you bring in a new orchid lately? Check the back of the buds where they meet the stem. Dissect the bud and look for mealies and their waste. Mealies caused a phrag of mine to blast last year. And like you, everything else was fine.... just caught a case of the creepy crawlies.

-J

[pedidiva]

Thanks for the advice. Will check into these things.
Pedi