bud blast on oncidium and phaleonopsis

[Mountain Kat]

I am new orchids (8 months?), so needless to say I was very excited when three of my orchids started to spike. My first spikes. Then two of the three bud blasted . The third is still developing. They are all rescues from Lowes - but all have shown nice root and leaf growth.

1) NoID phaleonopsis
2) Wilsonara Plumtree purple wings
3) NoID phaleonopsis

I live in Montana, so I grow indoors. I just added new lights since the days are getting short. Sunblaster T5 on bottom shelf with (Which these are on) and LED "clone stick" on the second shelf. I run a heater during the day and run around 70-74F, night drops to about 67F. I run a humidifier, but only get 35-40% humidity most of the time. Everything in semi-hydro is also on a seedling mat.

As you can see from the pics I have developed a bit of an addiction - so I better learn how to bloom these things or my husband is going to mock me.

Help!!

[charlesf6]

Welcome aboard and you have certainly come to the right place for help & good opinions.

[fishmom]

Looks like you're building yourself a nice collection there!

At this time of year, the most likely reason for blasting is cold drafts, either that or the change in growing conditions from Lowe's to your place. Regardless, your plants look healthy, so I'm sure you will be successful soon. Good luck!

[Mountain Kat]

Interesting that you mention cold drafts. I rely on the normal house heater over night, so temps dip down a little (which I thought the plants like to induce spiking). But one night, the heater was off and the house got down to 60F. Plus the window in the room is a little drafty. Perhaps the culprit?

I guess my question is, how cold is too cold? And if I choose to just run the space heater 24hours a day - will that constant temp be negative for the plants?

Thanks!

[fishmom]

My own home gets down to 60-65 degrees at night in the winter, so I don't think that is too low as long as it is warmer during the day. I heat my house to 69 degrees during the day, but the rooms with windows, where the plants are, get a bit warmer from the sun. My phals do fine for the most part. Drafts at night could be an issue, though.

[Dollythehun]

I feel for you. My cymb just aborted both spikes. Like you I wonder about drafts it maybe but disliked being moved inside...we'll have another chance.

[Paphluvr]

I'm an indoor grower also and I set my night time temperature to 58°F. My Phaleanopsis bloom regularly with no bud blast even though they are considered a warmer grower. I would consider drafts or low humidity as the culprit.

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome!
It is always disappointing to lose blooms. Certain gases can also cause buds to blast but, usually, it is a draft or dry air that does it. Good luck!

[Dollythehun]

Well, it could be drafts for me but the HR is good.

[Mountain Kat]

Dollythehun, do you mean humidity?