The Buds Have Fallen. What Causes That?

by addisonesq

What causes the buds to fall from Phalaenopsis once they have spiked and budded out? I have had several Phalaenopsis with multiple flowers on a spike or spikes and then one or two might flower out and then the others shrivel and drop off. What's the deal? I don't over water and I think the light is OK. And I am keeping them near a water tray.

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Jan 22, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Buds "Blast" From Temperature Variation And Other Things
by: Melissa

Hi Addison, esq (?)

Thanks for your question: "What causes the buds to fall from Phalaenopsis once they have spiked and budded out? I have had several Phalaenopsis with multiple flowers on a spike or spikes and then one or two might flower out and then the others shrivel and drop off.

What's the deal?"

Well here is what I think is "the deal".

It sounds like you are doing things well the way you are treating your Phalaenopsis with respect to light. Phalaenopsis like bright indirect light. Around 1500 foot candles is best. Often an east or north facing window or an even south window with a shade or curtain will work well for light.

And it is great that you do not over water as interestingly enough many orchids are killed by too much water rather than two little. You did not say where you live. Of course, the environment and the weather dictates how frequently you need to water. Here in Northern California I "tend" to water my Phalaenopsis about once a week most of the year (not winter. And it sounds like you have the humidity worked out with a water tray nearby. You might consider a humidity tray under the plant in the future. (Make sure the plant does not sit in water, but is above the water.)

What you describe is called “bud blast” and Phalaenopsis are not the only orchids that can do it. It is generally thought that it comes from uneven temperatures or a somewhat radical change in environmental situations. It is not uncommon for orchids that are grown in a greenhouse or outside to blast their buds when they are moved into a home so the flowers can be enjoyed.
This can also happen if the orchid is set somewhere that is too close to a heater vent in the winter or an air conditioner in the summer. Sometimes all it takes is a window that is opened and closed periodically to create a sufficient temperature fluctuation. The fluctuations in temperature and the decreased humidity in the zone of the buds cause the buds to desiccate somewhat and die and drop off.

Try looking around your growing situation with your Phalaenopsis and see if there is anything like that that might be causing the problem.
It can also happen if the plant is exposed to ripening fruit like in a kitchen. This can also happen if the orchid comes from a store and is near the fruit section. Ripening fruit naturally gives off a gas, ethylene, that causes other things to speed up their ripening. With Phalaenopsis it can cause bud blast as well.

Hope this helps!

Melissa
www.orchids-plus-more.com

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