Phalaenopsis with Wrinkled Buds?
 

Hello everyone,

I bought a beautiful orchid about 2 to 3 weeks ago, its big and still has buds growing:) I noticed that one of the buds got kind of wrinkly or maybe its just me. I haven't watered it yet because the moss it came with is still moist. I have done a lot of research on phalas because I have become a Orchid Freak:biggrin: But I cant find anything on buds getting wrinkled. I keep my phala in my room near a east facing window with a big tree blocking direct sunlight but still giving good amount of indirect light. Also most of the time I open the window so it can get some good air and not suffocate nor get a decease. And I close it at night when it gets too cool.

My question is, what is the problem? Or could it be that I just love my phala so much that I might be worring over nothing? Oh also should I water it even though the medium is still moist?
I can't upload a pic because you cant see it very well.

Your bud could be blasting. It happens usually from a change in environment. It might be low humidity, a cool draft, the change from the greenhouse to the store to your house, etc. Once it starts you really can't do anything about it. You can google bud blast for more info.

Don't water if the moss is still moist. Water when it is completely dry and when you water you want to water well and let it drain well. Here is a great thread about Phals and how to take care of them. It is long but I recommend reading every post from the beginning.http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

Good luck and welcome to Orchid Board!

Welcome to Orchid Board :welcome:

I agree with Wynn, except that I think if it is taking more than 2-3 weeks to dry then that is too slow and could indicate the moss is too tightly packed or too decayed.

In fact I generally think it should dry in arround 7 days, 14 days at the absolute outside. I mostly grow in bark, but I've found whatever the mix if it dries slower it indicates not enough air getting to the roots.

I would take a look at the roots, pull it out the pot and pull some of the moss away. If the moss doesn't look decayed then you can put it back in that, but don't pack it too tight. You'll probably be amazed just how much moss was in there, and usually they are sold too tightly packed.

If the roots are in good condition (firm when you gently grip them between your fingers) then just put it back. However if they are bad (hollow or mushy) then there is a problem that needs addressing.

Post photos here if you are unsure, or if they are bad and you need further advise.

Bud blast like you are getting could be just from transfer from the nursery to your home, but it can also be due to root problems, so it's a good idea to check those.

Thank you for the welcoming.
Well thanx Wynn sounds like the exacte same things I have learned from reading about orchids

Rosie! Your a genius! I totally forgot that the roots need a lot of air cause they are epiphytic plants! It also makes sense that air would dry the moss if it wasn't so tightly packed.

They only thing is that I'm worried cause my plant is still blooming and I don't want to damage its cause it's about a yard stick long and I don't want to disturbed the roots and cause either the big spike or the baby one to blast. Then againg it would help it get more air and survive. I guess I will be extra careful. Thanx!

Dying roots will cause the flowers to drop more surely than repoting will. You might get them drop if you repoting, but if there is a root problem they will definitely start dropping.

Generally Phals in good condition don't drop flowers from reporting. I would go for it and just be careful of the spike. If you can get someone to lend a second pair of hand it can help. My husband is often nearby when I repoting to help if I need him.

I was also worried about the moss not drying out and that it probably had moss packed too tightly. I didn't have time to write more so that's why I gave you the link to the Phal Abuse Ends Here thread. It talks a lot about store bought Phals being potted in too tight of moss. Thanks Rosie for letting ILoveOrchids92 know about that. I knew someone else would mention it!

Good luck on repotting and let us know how the roots look.

Thanks ladies. The roots looked fine really green and firm or stiff. Since I don't have someone around to lend a hand I did something else. Since the plant came in a very thin plastic vase that only had one hole in the bottom then inside a clay pot. I decided to water it and make some more holes in the bottom and on the sides and guess what? Its a miracle!! The buds went back to normal. thanks for the guidance!