bud blast question NYC

[pchadwic]

Hi: First post but have been reading a while and getting very useful info. Thank you all! I'm posting about three of them in separate posts for clarity.

I'm attaching two photos of a phal we were given 14 months ago when in bloom. It had about 10-14 large white blooms and when they dropped the spike dried back to the base and we cut it. I repotted (loose spag mixture) and trimmed rotten roots and it grew nicely through the winter in spite of very cold temperatures (low 50s.) It formed a new spike about 3 months ago. Buds appeared about 3 weeks ago as well as what looked like a secondary spike below the first bud. That "spike" just stopped at about .125" length. The first 4 buds that formed have each dried up and dropped. Photo 'white_phal_detail.jpg' shows the remaining healthy buds and the 4th blasted one.

All of our phals were in a east window and getting direct sunlight from dawn to 9:45, but it seemed 'mild' and they were all growing nicely including this one. Lots of root growth and new green offshoots from aerial roots. Leaves are really firm and strong—but I think the sun has been getting stronger as the year progresses; certainly we've had very hot days of 90+ and humid. 12 days ago I moved the three blooming plants (incl this one) to a north window with nice ambient but no direct light, but buds that were previously green and plump have continued to dry, turn orange and drop.

Feeding well under recommended amount, medium dries in 2-3 days max (I'm using skewers) unless we get days of rain. This one is potted in terra cotta w/ no liner (unlike the other 4).

So, did the temperature extremes cause this and if so, will any of these buds recover? Are summer breezes bad for phals? I usually crack the windows. Suggestions?


Thanks!!!

[patticake]

Hi! Sudden changes in temperature can cause the buds to blast. Really high heat or really cold can zap 'em! Once they turn yellow & shrivel, I'm afraid tha ey won't come back. I have a couple of Phals that get a little a.m. sun, also- They do o.k.- I have a small fan on them to keep the leaves cool if it gets too hot while we're at work. On the other hand, if you have an air conditioner near-by, that can be too cool for them also... Good luck and keep us posted!

[solay]

From what I've read and experienced, the buds will drop once moved to a new/different environment. Hopefully they all won't drop and you'll still have a few blooms.

[pchadwic]

Hi again and thanx for the help: looks like I'm gonna loose them all—every bud is drying and dropping, no matter how green and healthy they look at first. There are 5 left out of 12 and although they all look rich green and plump, if they follow the pattern the next one in line will turn orange and dry...

So—suggestions? Cut the spike back? How far? Or should I just lop it off at the base. This phal looks so healthy! The leaves are huge and firm and there's lots of root growth. Oh well...

Thanks!

[Rocinante]

A north window is never good for any orchid. And neither is direct sunlight good for a Phalaenopsis. They like to be back away from direct exposure in an east or south window. I can't figure out what caused your buds to blast. Might have something to do with light and temp. Do you fertilize at least monthly and use worm tea? Your plant looks really healthy otherwise. I'm admittedly not that great with Phals, myself. I prefer sympodials. Hopefully someone like mayres, kmarch, jerrymeola or anton will chime in with their true expertise. Maybe it was just a matter of "stuff happens". But at least she spiked. Just keep her healthy and see what happens next time. Good luck!

[Catcym]

Hi all, This is my first rebloom phal. I placed it in the west living room. Last week the living room reached 80 degrees. I noticed a bud (#1) color is slightly yellow compared to bud (#2). The bud #1 seemed a little bit withered. The bud # 2 seemed plump and healthy to me. I'm afraid bud #1 is going to blast.
What do you guys think ?

attached pictures showed the phal:
1. the phal
2. close up of two buds
3. close up of one bud

[Rocinante]

I think you are worrying too much, be patient...