Blooming Issues

[ghuylar]

Hi everyone,

This orchid is the orchid I have had the longest (3 years). Despite all my research and ever growing collection, the one thing that has continued to confuse me is how this plant flowers.

When I bought it, the plant was in full bloom with about 2 dozen perfectly formed buds.

The next time it bloomed, it formed a large and complete spike with about the same number of buds. This year, all the buds except three blasted. The three that remained only partially opened.

This past winter she bloomed for me again. This time only a couple buds blasted. The remaining buds survived, but as they continued to open they became more and more disfigured. It started with the first few having small dimples on the petals, progressing until the last bud just never opened or formed separate petals and sepals (shown in the photos below).

It can't be a genetic problem, because it has bloomed without issue before, granted that was when it was grown in a commercial greenhouse. I am assuming it must be an issue with my care, and was wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue. She has a robust root system and very healthy and regular vegetative growth. Spikes form each September like clockwork, and I fertilize VERY regularly.

Any suggestions?