bud blasts on vanda orchid
 

I have had this vanda orchid for 3 years and it bloomed nicely, all of a sudden the last 3 flowers became brown and died even before growing, the plant is outside, I live in florida, it gets full sun light. Please any ideas why?

Your problem is thrips and it's an easy one to prevent. Buy some Ortho Rose & Flower from Home Depot (Lowes may carry it also). When you first see a flower spike starting, spray the spike with a fine mist, from two directions. Repeat the treatment every week until buds start to form. Once the plant produces actual buds, you can stop spraying because it can stain the flower. You don't need to spray the whole plant, just the spike. You'll be amazed, it works like magic. I should also mention, give your vandas lots of water when their in spike and bud. I water once or twice a day when they have spikes.

Thank you so much, I will try next time I see the spike, I just lost one this week.

---------- Post added at 07:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:15 AM ----------

Thank you so much, I will try next time I see the spike, I just lost one this week. I will let you know.

I just want to post a picture of my bud blast for you to see and make sure is thrips

It's hard to tell from the picture but here, in South Florida, thrips are the number one cause of bud drop or bud blast in vandas. About three years ago I started using the method I told you about and I haven't lost any vanda buds since. It's also important to give them plenty of water when they're in bud. You'll get much better flowers if you water the roots once or twice a day while in bud.

Can you tell me what is the best way to water them, I wonder if I am not doing it right, I use a mist bottle.

I soak mine in a bucket of water 10-15 min 2X a day if possible.

I had spike aborts on a couple of Ascocentrums and I too, suspect water. One was unavoidable (spike near the roots) and the other just got wet. Otherwise they are healthy.

The roots need to turn from white to completely green. This takes a while and plenty of water. Spraying is usually not enough unless you come back in a few minutes and spray a second or third time.

As soon as the roots turn from green to white you can water again.

I've noticed my plants in my low humidity tend to grow fastest during an overnight root soak.

To clarify, I meant that the spike got wet and not an issue with watering methods.