Dying spikes

[cerobbins]

Originally Posted by jeffg

Sounds like the buds came, then "blasted" - where they stop maturing and turn brown, wither, and finally drop. I have had this happen, and have learned it is usually a change in environment, (greenhouse to my house), or a change in location within the house. I have also heard that even the most minute amount of propane gas (ie stove burners before they ignite) can do this.

That sounds like exactly what is happening. These plants would spike, and then I would move them so that others could enjoy the flowers. I put them in very similar conditions, but maybe the move is just too much. I do not have propane other than an outdoor grill so that should not be the source. I will try not to move a plant the next time one goes into spike and see if that stops the "blasting"

Just for future reference do most people continue to fertilize their orchids when they are flowering or not? I always stop fertilizing when they go into spike.