phalenopsis flower wilt

[Amy]

My phalaenopsis flowers open for a couple days then they wilt. The plant is still making buds. I have the plant in an east facing window. The leaves are a light green and the room temperature fluctuates between 65 at night and 70 during the day. The humidity is 40 or below. I have set the plant in a bed of stone with water and placed that on top of a heated mat. What am I doing wrong?

[jbigio]

If the leaves are not wrinkeled and your sure the roots are ok then I would have to say the humidity is the problem. they do like it humid. Just to be on the safe side I would also check the roots and if they look good are you watering it enough? that could also be the issue.
Joe

[BunnytheOrchid]

I agree with joe the humidity probably needs to be increased a bit. If the orchid is in a plastic container that might make it easier to check the root system. I'm just not sure the flowers wilting would be caused by humidity. How long have you had the orchid? And how often do you water? If you just got the orchid recently, it could be temperature related. Not by anything you did, but that the temperatures changes can stress a plant while it's in transit from one place to another. If you water too frequently, that can also stress the plant. If it's water related, then its definitely worthwhile to take the plant out, check the roots, and repot if necessary.

[kmarch]

I agree with Joe and Bunny but would also ask if there are hot or dry drafts in the room or window. If the room temps are as you say, the heat pad is probably not necessary.

[PhalPal]

If I can get humidity to 50% on a rainy day, even with a humidifier going full blast and large humidity trays, it is a good day. As Amy may not know I grow mostly Phals inside and the lack of humidity (usually 40-45%) doesn't phase mine and I never blast buds.

How long have you had this particular orchid?? If you just bought it and your home environment is new to it, then blasting of buds is common. My suspicion would be the heat mat. Your Phals will do fine in 65-70 degrees, and the mat is not necessary. A hot draft from a heater vent or cold that radiates through the window could blast buds also.

And one more question!! Does your Phal live in the same location all year, or did you move it to this east facing window once it began blooming??

Please update your user profile to include where you and your orchid live. Recommendations will vary greatly based on your climate.

And Welcome to the forum!!