Hi all. I have a phal that I've had for a year or more, growing in S/H, and has spiked and flowered for me twice. This time however, I think there is a problem-and it's REALLY unfortunate because the spike is larger and is branching, which it hasn't done in the past. It's just been a single spike. I noticed the buds seem smaller than usual, and so far 2 have yellowed and fallen off. I haven't moved this plant or changed anything in it's environment at all. I will admit that I have fed each time I flush, but again, that's usual. (Probably should have posted this in the S/H forum now that I think about it) Anyway, what to do??
I'm sorry your buds blasted. Did you check if it was bugs sucking on the buds? Spray the spike with soap and water to deter bugs getting to the nectar of the buds....
Any drafts or dry air blowing across the plant?
Any sudden temperature change?
How do the roots look? (my automatic question for all phal problems )
Is it getting enough light?
Edit: One more thing, sometimes, if fed too much, roots can burn or lock out nutrients, causing the plant to become malnourished. Absolutely sure you haven't increased the amount of fertilizer?
To the question of colder temps and dry air, I keep the temps at 60 to 65. All my orchids are grown in my living room, under natural light led's from a reputable orchid web site. I have 2 large room humidifiers going, and use small fans for air circulation. This is the growing condion that this phal has been in for several winters now. Haven't looked for bugs, but as these are all in S/H, the culture discourages the possibiltiy of insects. Still...