Phal losing buds- Brother Love Rosa B#2

[nerrym]

Hello:

I am puzzled by this phal. I've had it for a few years now. Sometimes it holds its blooms and sometimes, the fully formed buds looks like they're just about to open, then shrivel up and drop off. What's the problem? I'd like to know how to remedy this situation. I have blooming phals on the same window sill with this one and they're all doing wonderful and blooming right now. Could it be something to do with the makeup of the plant? When it chooses to hold its blooms, they are truly a sight to see.

Thanks,
Nerry

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I am not much of a Phal grower, and I grow in a greenhouse too, but I understand that some Phals like it warmer than others. Seems I've heard that drafts or cold next to windows can be a problem. But we will have to hear from our Phal experts on this site. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jerrymeola]

Buds dropping on a Phal and most other orchids is usually from a shock to the plant. Shock can be very minor such as a draft or colder temperatures in a greehouse.

I lost a lot of buds in the recent cold spell her in florida (40 degress is a cold spell for outdoor plants here). If it had cooled slower the orchd buds coulh have survivied even ten degrees colder, but 80 to 40 in a week was too quick.

You can also lose buds by to much or too little water. Even if it is a short period that does not hurt the plant.

It is most probably that your plant less tolerant to the changes as your other plants. I do not think you are doing anything wrong. You might want to more it next time it sets buds. Once the buds are set light levels are no longer important and it can be moved to a lower light area that may have less temperature fluctuations.

[nerrym]

Thanks so much, Jerry and Cynthia. I will definitely move it this afternoon since I noticed this morning that it's giving off a side branch with buds off 1 of the main spikes!! How cool

Thanks again.

[nerrym]

Hi guys:

I'm happy to report I've moved the phal to warmer conditions and whoa! I have blooms off the side branch! 1 opened and 2 more to go! I can't believe it! You guys are wonderful and quite informative. Thanks again
Nerry

[Treasure]

What is the best light setting for an orchid plant to grow? Is direct sunlight bad for the plant?

[jerrymeola]

Treasure you will get better responces in the future if you put a question like this in a new thread. It is easy to get overlooked in an old thread.

Light varies with the type of orchid. Phals as was discussed in this thread take low light levels around 1500 foot candles. They do well in a home near a bright window. They would die outside in direct sun.

Papheopdedilums (Lady Slippers) take even less 900 foot candles. They can be some distance from a window.

Cattleyas and common dendrobiums like sun around 3500 foot candles. Direct morning sun is good with some shade in the afternoon. They will not flower inside without help since the light levels in a home are normally less.

Vandas like 7-8000 foot candles (noon summer sun in Florida is 11,000)

Nobile dendrobiums are grown in Hawaii in full sun without shade year round.

These are the light levels necessary to flower the plants. They will live in less but often not flower.

You can measure the light using a camera

Measuring light levels with an SLR camera

[ManForse]

Where is
some help informatione about this site?

[mayres]

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/faq...vb_board_usage