Loosing flower buds

[geti]

Hi all,

thanks a lot for this very useful and friendly forum. It is my first time to post here because I recently got an orchid - phalaenopsis. I found some of the earlier posts very helpful for basic care of the orchid. However, it seems that I am doing something wrong.

It looked happy until couple of days ago when I noticed that one or two buds are drying out. I think everthing else looks fine (roots, leaves).

I am keeping it away from direct sun, in a temperature of min 55-60F. I was away for 5 days so I hope I did not suffer from lack of moisture.

Any tips would be greatly appreciate since I really do not want to lose it.

Many thanks.
Geti

[dennis]

if it is the buds it is called bud blast caused by changes in humidty,temperature.cold draft, heat draft. could be insects, root damage. i think i have read that some types are more prone than others i have a maki wantanbe that was growing right next to a holly paige. the watanabe lost every bud on two spikes and within another week all of the flowers were gone as well a monthlater the holly paige is still blooming with more buds yet to open. no one could explain it they sat eight inches apart from each other

[Ellen]

If you bought your plant in bud, it's likely that the change in growing conditions when you brought it into your house caused the buds to drop. Don't give up - the plant may send a new branch from the old spike. At the very least, it should bloom next year.

[mayres]

geti - I second what dennis and ellen have already said about bud blast. Some people will not even purchase plants in bud knowing that they are not going to like the transition. It is amazing how a plant that spikes in your environment versus a plant you bring into your environment differ - then YOUR environment is the same - BUT the plant adapts over time. One of the nice things about phals is that they typically will go a week easy in most situations without watering without ill effect (while you choose to go on vacation or away on business) - depending upon the media and growing conditions - mine actually go two weeks or longer in the winter. Enjoy! mike

[geti]

Thank you all for the replies and suggestions.
I moved it in a place with more light, closer to the window. I checked the roots but they seem fine. The orchid has two spikes with 4 flowers and 4 to 5 buds on each. Since I had it two buds bloomed. So far one bud on each spike is drying out. Hopefully the others will survive.

I read other posts on the forum and it seems that I should also change the watering procedure. I used to water it once or twice a week but I was not soking it. I let water run over the roots in the pot for about a minute or so. However, it seems that it is better to soak it for an hour or so to make sure that the media gets enough water. The orchid is in a transpared plastic container, so when I see that the botom of the pot is still humid, I chose to water is later. Is that ok?

Also, I am not sure how to ensure that it has enough humidity. I am afraid that the heating system makes the air too dry. I have a tray under the ceramic vase that the orchid sits in. Is it ok if I leave some water in that tray or I should put some pebbles around it?

Many thanks and enjoy the weekend.
Geti

Is the orchid literally potted in the ceramic vase, or is the ceramic vase just a pretty sleeve to hide the main pot? It's extremely important for the orchid to have proper drainage and to get air to the roots.

[geti]

The orchid is potted in a plastic vase but "hidden" by the ceramic one. I hope that it allows proper drainage. Should I take it out of the ceramic vase?

Many thanks.

[jerrymeola]

it is not necessary to remove the plastic pot.

I put most of my Phals in ceramic for sale. As long as there is drainage in the ceramic pot you are fine.

[Maddy]

Originally Posted by geti

The orchid is potted in a plastic vase but "hidden" by the ceramic one. I hope that it allows proper drainage. Should I take it out of the ceramic vase?

Many thanks.

If the plastic pot has drainage it should be fine. Just make sure you don't end up with water collecting in bottom the ceramic vase.

I keep most of my orchids, especially the ones with flower spikes, in cachepots like that - they're attractive and it adds some much-needed weight at the bottom so they're not prone to toppling over.

[geti]

Thanks a lot. I'll leave it as it is and hopefully all the buds will bloom. Orchids are such beautiful works of art that it is quite saddening to see them suffer.

All the best.

[Buttercup]

Hi Geti,
I just wanted to reassure you a little bit. I brought home a dendrobium a while ago and right away it lost 2 buds and one leaf went yellow. I panicked but after advice from here calmed down. Now the remaining 10 buds have opened. A few more leaves did turn yellow but I was reassured this was normal for older leaves. Anyhow, now it has bloomed for over 1 1/2 months and is doing great. As soon as your phal adjusts, as long as you follow this advice I'm sure it'll be fine!
Welcome to the forum!

[geti]

Thank you Buttercup. Actually, overnight one bud started to open so it seems to be happy.
I appreciate a lot everyone's advice and support. This forum is a wonderful resource.

All the best.