So disappointed!

[Winterwhite]

One of the dendrobiums that I purchased on-line in December lost all its leaves. But new spikes emerged shortly there-after; one from each of the canes. Then buds appeared on the spikes and I have been watching them grow and form the past six/seven weeks. Then I noticed some bud blast. The two lowest buds on one of the spikes turned yellow - almost overnight and are about to fall off. Question.....will all the buds turn yellow and drop and/or do I have hope that some will bloom? Nothing has changed. They are in the same spot, the temperature has not varied, they haven't got shocked by cold. The only thing I did within the past two weeks was give them a weak fertilizer treatment as part of there watering routine. Perhaps this is just beginner's luck or lack of luck but it is disheartening. What might be happening here? Bittersweet.

A big thank you to those who offered suggestions to improve the humidity levels. I do have the option of buying a cover for the plant stand which would keep some of the moisture from the humidity trays contained, and might buy a humidifier for that part of the kitchen. And I do keep a water kettle on the wood stove but need to be more attentive that water is kept in the kettle and that it hasn't totally evaporated. Bittersweet

[Sharyn]

Mary, don't be disheartened. Those of us living in the cold areas of the country are all experiencing the same things. I've had beautiful orchids drop buds overnight. I've provided heat, humidity, proper culture, a few beers & pizza, and they still act up! Go figure. It's only a few weeks until Spring and then we'll all be in our glory. Hang in there girl. Our warm weather is coming and we'll be singing a different song soon.

[Winterwhite]

Sharyn....Thank you for the encouragement. I am looking forward to May when I can place them all outside. Last summer which was my first summer with orchids, they did well catching the summer rain and cool nights. In fact they may even have been somewhat neglected but when I brought them in in late September they really looked very healthy. Since then it seems to have been a disaster. But I think one of my problems may be the humidity. But thank you for your support. Winterwhite

The fertilizer might have done it. Are they nobile type dens or phal type dens? The treatment of each is poles apart. Nobile type dens bloom up and down the cane and phal type dens bloom from a spike at the top of the cane. In the winter nobile dens like it sunny, cool and dry with no fertilizer and phal type dens like it sunny, warm, evenly moist, and fed regularly. Dens lose their leaves at this time of year, so that's not a worry. In the summer both types of dens like it sunny, lots of water and fertilizer.

[jerrymeola]

It has been a very bad year for orchid flowers even in hot areas like Florida. The ups and downs of the temperatures have been causing flowers to fall prematurely.

I find Florida grown plants (more than one year in a Florida nursery) are doing well while many Hawaii and Asian plants are not liking the change.

[Maddy]

I lost the first new spike one of my phals put out, too. I was hoping it might put out a second spike from the first, but I don't think it will.

I do, however, have another one just starting a spike - by the time it's ready to bloom, we should be having better weather.

[Winterwhite]

Good morning orchid 126,
You taught me something new today. I have read about nobile versus the phal type of dens but apparantly it didn't register until you mentioned it. These are the phal type dens with the spikes growing out of the tops of the canes. While the four buds closest to the cane died, the next two or three are holding their own and opening up. I'm a bit more optimistic that the remaining buds will hold on. More notes for my notebook. Thank you. Winterwhite

[Winterwhite]

Jerry,
That was an interesting comment about the Florida nursery raised and the Hawaii/Asia raised. Yes, you have had great changes this year. Thanks for all your help in my understanding the process and care of orchids. Winterwhite

[Winterwhite]

Thanks Maddy,
I don't think I will have much hope for a spike to develop before taking them outside. I'm really looking forward to summer so they can heal outside. If I get some new leaf growth I will be a happy camper. Will keep you apprised as to what happens to my phals. Winterwhite

[Winterwhite]

Sharyn....
Maybe the pizza and beer is what I have been depriving them of! Yes, i am looking forward to getting them outside where the fresh air, cooling rains and cooler nights might be good for them. My mistake last year was having them on the ground where the bugs had a feast day. This year......outdoor plant stand and an occassional spraying. Thanks for your input and encouragement.