Help! M. Black Widow keeps blasting buds - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 04-12-2011, 11:30 AM

I don't know whats wrong, but my M. Black Widow keeps making spikes with buds, yet they turn yellow and kinda wither away. Right now it has one good spike, but it has already lost 4. I keep it in the same conditions as my other masdies. Temps in the 70's, well, its cool enough that I am comfortable in my sweater in the room that they are in.
Plenty of ventilation.
Plenty of humidity.

The moss is never wet, and its moist 4-5 days in a row (due to humidifiers).
I just don't know.

RosieC · #2 04-13-2011, 10:26 AM

I'm really just giving you a bump Tindo

I don't know this plant, but my first thought was temperature and humidity. When my first veitchianna bud blasted those were the suggestions, it was in the summer and both were low (it's done better and flowered in the cooler damper months).

If you think those are good them I'm not sure what else to suggest

Tindomul · #3 04-13-2011, 10:42 AM

I think I will go ahead a try that. I have been opening my window more now that it is spring. The room certainly is colder than it used to be, even though it was always cool. Lets hope that helps. I will let you know. Thanks for the reply!

fishmommy · #4 04-13-2011, 10:46 AM

what are your day/night temps where the plant is?
(I have no advice, just trying to learn)

Tindomul · #5 04-13-2011, 10:51 AM

day in the 60's-70's night is not much lower, but much more humid. The room is actually my office and I hang out in it wearing my sweater, very comfortable. Actually get cold without it.

silken · #6 04-13-2011, 11:39 AM

Is it getting too much light? OrchidWiz says this one needs shade to dappled light. Both it's species parents only require 800 to 1500fc. It also recommends growing at 50 to 60F at night. You would think if it got to the bud stage, it must not be too unhappy tho.

Tindomul · #7 04-13-2011, 11:58 AM

Hmm, up until recently it was getting pretty strong sunlight. Now that the sun is higher in the sky it does not get the same amount of sunlight. Come to think of it, thats when it started putting on the spikes. Well, its only gonna get darker from now till June 21 for this plant. But its also going to get warmer. ahhh, such a fine balance that needs to be struck.