Shriveled buds - Orchid Board

DaylightFirefly · #1 01-27-2023, 11:56 AM

My mini-phalaenopsis is in bloom second time and second time I see several buds shriveling. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Roots look good, leaves are firm and even color, watering seems to be sufficient, I feed this plant with every watering by 1/2 strength msu.

Roberta · #2 01-27-2023, 12:31 PM

First, welcome!

Bud blast on Phals can be caused by a draft of cold air (or any other sudden change) Another one is ethylene gas - which is given off by ripening fruit, or tiny leak from a gas stove (so small that you can't smell it). Was the plant near either of those?

DaylightFirefly · #3 01-27-2023, 12:52 PM

Thank you for listing all these possible causes.
No ripening fruits or gas-stove nearby. Temperature change sounds like the most probable cause. And this particular plant is probably the most susceptible as other miniature phalaenopsis plants on the same shelf did not drop or shrivel a single bud.

estación seca · #4 01-27-2023, 02:31 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

DaylightFirefly · #5 01-27-2023, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Thank you!

Leafmite · #6 01-28-2023, 02:28 AM

I like your Phal's color. I think most of us have experienced this at one time or another and it is always disappointing. I agree with the possible reasons, too.

DaylightFirefly · #7 01-28-2023, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I like your Phal's color. I think most of us have experienced this at one time or another and it is always disappointing. I agree with the possible reasons, too.

Thank you for your support. I like this color as well. But I start to question if buds fallout is a trait of this type of phal

and this particular plant is not as simple and durable as it seemed.

Roberta · #8 01-28-2023, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaylightFirefly

Thank you for your support. I like this color as well. But I start to question if buds fallout is a trait of this type of phal

and this particular plant is not as simple and durable as it seemed.

Impossible to know if it's genetic or just one-time bad luck. It would take a couple more years of "bad behavior" to draw any conclusions. In the meantime, surely you will acquire more orchids!