Stop Phalaenopsis Bud Blast

[akhenenra]

I grow my orchids in a tent in my basement, but naturally once they spike and start to bloom I want to take them upstairs to enjoy them. I frequently get some amount of bud blast, I am assuming from what I read as a result of them changing environments while in bloom.

Is there anything I can do about this, or is this just how it goes with this method of growing?

[Dimples]

How dramatic of a change are they experiencing?

[Roberta]

Change of environment is the culprit. If there are any cold drafts (like from air conditioner) that could make it worse. If you are patient and let the buds open before you move the plants you may reduce the loss - once the flowers are open they're a lot less sensitive to "insults" .

Another thing to think about when you move these into your living area... is your location anywhere near the kitchen if you gave a gas stove? Even the tiniest amount of natural gas (like what escapes when you turn it on before it ignites) can cause bud blast. Even ripening fruit - which gives off ethylene gas - can do it. Once you bring the blooming plants into your living area, best to keep them away from the kitchen.

[akhenenra]

They are coming from a pretty toasty (around 80*) and very bright grow tent to the inside of a pretty normal house. Our place has AC but in the summer it's around 72-74, not super cold. So it's definitely cooler, and much darker and less humid.

Roberta that's very interesting about the gas, I will look into that. I do sometimes keep one or two in the kitchen since I work in there a lot.

Thanks for the help, I'd rather lose a few buds than not get to enjoy them but it is a bummer nonetheless.

[Roberta]

Going from warm to cool is not so much the problem, but drafts... if the A/C turns on and sends a blast of cold air toward the plants, it's a lot colder than the ambient temperature, even for a few minutes, and that could do it.

[Louis_W]

Maybe try moving them after all the flowers open or before the buds form. They are less sensitive during those times