P. amabillis-flowers wilting after opening

[ladyslipper]

Hi guys, I have an amabillis that is in bloom and to me, the flowers are dieing back within maybe 2 days of opening. I am fairly sure the plant is in good health, its at the back on my stand under 2 48 watt full spectrum fluorescents & 2 T5 lights (all 48 inches long). I have a small USB fan going for about 2 hours in the morning & perhaps an hour before lights out. I have the stand covered by heavy plastic at the back and dry cleaning plastic bags at the front. The other plants are not having any trouble with bloom time.

I had been spraying once or twice daily depending on the humidity level but have been told maybe I am spraying to much as Phals are fairly tolerant and maybe this is part of the problem. I am not so sure this is the problem as my hygrometer reads a level of 40 to 50% and if the humidity is in this range, I pretty much leave things alone.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

regards, mary

[CodiMN]

How are the temps looking? I know it's been cold and dry here in Minnesota, I can only imagine what it's like up in Alberta!

How long have you had this orchid? Did your blooms wilt early before?

You mentioned spraying...I would avoid spraying the blooms or spike, as this might upset the plant. I would focus on keeping misting/watering/etc down towards the root system and medium.

I have found that some of my blooming 'chids need a little more fertilizer to help support their blooms a little longer. Maybe this might help?

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[ladyslipper]

Originally Posted by CodiMN

How are the temps looking? I know it's been cold and dry here in Minnesota, I can only imagine what it's like up in Alberta!

How long have you had this orchid? Did your blooms wilt early before?

You mentioned spraying...I would avoid spraying the blooms or spike, as this might upset the plant. I would focus on keeping misting/watering/etc down towards the root system and medium.

I have found that some of my blooming 'chids need a little more fertilizer to help support their blooms a little longer. Maybe this might help?

Hi Carolyn, this flowering is my first with this plant but I have, as you suggested, started to avoid spraying the flower as this may be the issue. None of my other plants have had this reaction to water spray, but its good to know it could be an issue so its possible to spray and not get the blooms too wet.
take care, m

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