Psychopsis - 3rd bud blast - Orchid Board

oceans0516 · #1 07-22-2015, 10:35 PM

Need help reading what my Psychopsis Mendenhall Hildos want. I purchased it a few months ago with 2 spikes which i promptly broke the shorter one by accident. The taller spike blasted its 3rd bud in a row and i just cant figure out what im doing wrong.

I repotted it as soon as i got it and it had a mass of healthy roots. It didnt skip a beat and continued to grow its spike. When it blasted the second bud i decided to try watering more as i read some were having success watering a bit more. I use the skewer method. In the beginning i was watering when skewer is dry almost to the tip and now i water when its about halfway. It responded well as it is producing a new growth and the broken spike is regrowing from the next node and roots coming out from the bottom & side of the pot. This third bud did get a little bigger than the last 2 but darn it it turned yellow this morning again!

It is light? The leaves did have more defined spots when i got it and now its about 1/3 faded. My other oncidium is doing fine putting out spike next to it I grow on a south facing windowsill (with obstruction) and the only other option i have is to put it outside on the fire escape for more light but im afraid to burn it. Can it handle direct sun? Fire escape would prob provide unshaded sun till 3pm or ill have to move the plant in and out during cloudy vs full sun days which canbe touch and go. With how clumsy i am ill probably break the spike moving it like what happened with the second spike...sigh.

Or....does this plant just keeps putting out buds even when it is still trying to adjust to new environment? Do i just need to be patient? I wana see some butterflies...we did get a heat wave these past couple of days but i do have a small fan running 24/7. Not sure what the next step is?

WhiteRabbit · #2 07-23-2015, 10:01 PM

Heat could cause blast; fan blowing directly on the buds could also.
Hopefully some other members have some ideas.

MrHappyRotter · #3 07-23-2015, 10:28 PM

From your description, the plant sounds like it's absolutely thriving in your conditions. Sure, it may need more light, but from what you describe, it should be getting plenty.

A few things come to mind. Are you misting the spike and/or buds? If so, you might want to stop, as this would potentially allow for fungal or bacterial infections to set in...perhaps killing the buds. Have you checked closely for insects? Perhaps there are mites or mealy bugs, or even scale or thrips. Look closely, and don't be afraid to spray a bit of rubbing alcohol on any suspected critters. Finally, what's your feeding routine like and what's your water quality like? It's unlikely, but maybe the plant is lacking something nutritionally or getting way too much of a good thing.

oceans0516 · #4 07-23-2015, 10:45 PM

I mist only the tops of the media never the spikes/buds and have been vigorously checking for bugs. All i have in my collection are springtails that i keep in control so i dont think its fungal or pest. Ill try to redirect my fan or move it further back. Hopefully thats it. Its not really blowing directly at it now but ill give anything a try at this point. I fertilize with MSU weakly weekly with nyc tap water. Today I noticed another new growth coming out so it seems happy. Thank you for ur suggestions!!

thefish1337 · #5 07-27-2015, 08:31 PM

When I had bud blast it was due to mealies. They could be under the old papery flower 'sheaths' that's where mine were and it was making the flowers either blast as the infest increased or just smaller in the early stages. I used insecticidal soap and now everything is good.

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Ray · #6 07-28-2015, 09:00 AM

Which MSU formula? Define "weakly".

oceans0516 · #7 07-28-2015, 10:51 AM

double checked in the flower sheath - no mealies.

Ray i use this formula at half strength once a week. I want to improve my fertilizing schedule to every watering at 1/4 strength but its been so hot I just can't keep up. Last couple of weeks I have been watering my plants and then i use a pressure pump to spray the top of the media/exposed roots once a week.

Ray · #8 07-29-2015, 08:55 AM

That really doesn't tell me the details.

Are you using 1/2 ounce per gallon, once a week? If so, fertilizer is playing no role in the bud blast.

silken · #9 07-29-2015, 12:36 PM

It could just be adjusting. I don't think putting it out in direct sun is the answer. They are said to be a bit finicky about re-potting although mine wasn't. But it may be showing it in bud blast. I also water mine a fair bit so maybe just a tad more water in the warm temps. Mine doesn't get fert. every time I water in summer since it gets some water every few days.

Bud · #10 07-29-2015, 03:14 PM

If you lost the dark dots of the leaves it means you are exposing it too much light. I put mine in west facing window.
I put the pot is a saucer with water and when the saucer gets dry its time to run water from the faucet in the sink for a minute or two.
Make sure the plant is not wobbling inside the pot. Anchor it well.
Let the plant stay put in its place never moving its position. Moving it from place to place will blast buds.
I repotted my orchid plant in sawdust mix last year making sure I didn't disturb any of its tiny roots.
The trick is: warmth, proper light, air circulation and humidity....