Dendrobium Buds Don't Open

[kcole321]

I have a hybrid dendrobium with the following label:
Den. PhX/s/P Unregistered Den (Halawa Lois x Esumi Blue) x Kiyoshi Beauty x bigibbum var. compactum 'Harford' HCC/AOS

This plant tried to bloom last winter with just a few buds that never opened. The buds looked mature and ready to open; but, they eventually just dropped off. I thought perhaps it was a cold draft. This year it has two spikes with lots of buds on each spike. It's doing the same thing. I'm growing it warm with humidity around 50%.

Any idea what might be happening?

Thanks,

kc

[violetta]

Just a thought ... maybe you are under watering it?

[kcole321]

I think you might be right, Violetta. I just read that you should not reduce water until after blooming. Is that what you would recommend?

Thanks for the reply.

[bballr4567]

I'd try to up the humidity as well. Getting it above 60% will help the buds get rid of the sticky residue that holds them together while forming.

[silken]

I had this problem this summer with a Phal or Biggibum type Den too and I was so frustrated. It developed nice big buds to what was close to opening and then they died. It was in the greenhouse where warmth, light and humidity were all pretty high. I would have thought that was perfect and it grew the buds just fine. I still haven't really figured mine out.

[Bud]

try putting it in the sink inside the bathroom while you are showering ....the steam might boost moisture and loosen the sticky nectar holding the petals and release it to open ....

[violetta]

Originally Posted by kcole321

I think you might be right, Violetta. I just read that you should not reduce water until after blooming. Is that what you would recommend?

Thanks for the reply.

Well with den-phals you should never reduce water, they don't have a rest period. When they finish blooming they grow new canes and then they bloom again, maybe twice a year.
I grow mine warm and bright all year and I water them whenever the potting mix has dried (obviously in winter the mix dries out more slowly)

[kcole321]

Thanks to all for your responses. I can get the humidity up to 60% for at least a few hours a day. Hard to keep it that high, but I'll do my best.

Violetta, I didn't know that this type of Den did not have a rest period. I will change my watering schedule as you have indicated.

Just to let you all know. Although a lot of the buds have dropped, there were still several nice ones on the plant. Two of them have opened, thanks to all your help. Seems I was just in time increasing the water/humidity for this plant. I really appreciate all the help/education you have offered.

This plant is definitely worth all the effort I have put into it. It's beautiful. Here's a pic so you can see it also.

[silken]

Very nice! I'm glad you got a few to open.

[bballr4567]

If you have a problem with dry air you can create an indoor greenhouse with a shower curtain. I've done it on trips to make sure the humidifier has enough water to last more than a few days and it works perfect.