Red phalanopsis keeps budding, won't open

[leslee]

I have a red phal, no ID, it is the kind that keeps on budding a few at a time. The buds either won't open completely or dry up just as they are ready to bloom and die. The blooms are small and waxy. any tips?

[BikerDoc5968]

First and foremost.....PICTURES! Then we will know just how to approach the situation

[mehitabel]

Hi, Leslie. Something over 90% of the time when I have gotten *repeated* shriveling of buds before opening, it has been root problems. With poor roots, the plant can't supply the moisture and energy the buds need to develop properly, so it aborts them.

So I would suggest de-potting it and looking at the roots, then taking whatever action is suggested if the roots are poor. If the roots are good, obviously there's another reason.

If it happened only once instead of repeatedly, it could be a number of things, including having been kept too dry once, or being near fruit. But since it *keeps* happening, my guess would be it's not the external conditions, but that the plant is struggling.

Hope this helps.

[Jorch]

Also check for pests like mites and mealy bugs on the stem and on/near the buds.

[Roly0217]

leslee and to the OB !!! Just like the other said; check the roots, poor roots won't absorb water propertly making the buds dry up. Enjoy the forum and with your Phal !!!!

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by mehitabel

If it happened only once instead of repeatedly, it could be a number of things, including having been kept too dry once, or being near fruit.

Hope this helps.

HUH? Being near fruit????? This is something I've never heard. Can you tell me more?

[Bird Song Farm]

It's 'cause ripening fruit emits more gas than a couple hundred old folks at a baked bean supah........

AL

[quiltergal]

Kiki have you heard of putting unripe fruit in a paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process? The ripe banana gives off ethelene which is supposed to ripen the fruit. Apparently ethelene has an adverse affect on orchid buds and flowers causing them to wither and die prematurely.

[phalaephila]

What are the growing conditions for your phal? Location, watering and feeding, potting medium, and other things will help us with a proposed diagnosis. And yes, post photos if you can!

Jeanne

[unhappykat]

Sounds like low humidity, sometimes if humidity is too low buds just kind of fall off, again we need photos of the plant and buds to be sure.