Experiencing shriveled buds/when do I repot?
 

Hello--

I've got a small collection of miniature "Phalaenopsis" (that's what it said on the tags, at least) orchids that I've had for about a month now. They've all come from our local grocery store, and I haven't had any problems with them. Within the last week, however, I've noticed shriveled buds, as well as half-opened buds and fully formed flowers that shrivel and fall off on their own on all but one of my orchids.

My question is, am I experiencing bud blast, or are my orchids dropping their blooms and need to be repotted? My plants are in an east-facing window, and get watered about twice a week.

Thanks!

It sounds like bud blast to me, about 50% of any orchids I buy from a grocery store does this for me. I think it's because not only did it come from a nursery to a grocery store to sit on a shelf, but then it comes to my house, gets repotted, and has to adjust to a new environment. It's kind of a bummer, but a blessing in disguise the way I see it. This way you can trim the spikes and allow more energy to be put into new roots and leaves and to let the orchid continue adjusting. Orchids that I've bought from nurseries tend to do better at keeping their blooms, I think it's because they come from dependable growers and are taken care of at the nursery...where-as they might be neglected at a big box chain store.

As far as repotting goes, it's up to you. Photos would help in figuring out if it needs to be repotted but you won't be able too until you've reached 5 posts. Some people wait to repot, but since the blooms are falling off I would suggest go ahead and repot now and take a look a those roots.

Hot or cold drafts, sudden change in temps, can cause buds and blooms to wilt / drop.

How long have you had these?