Why Phalaenopsis Orchids Drop Their Buds in Low Humidity and How to Fix It

The most nerve-wracking thing about growing Phalaenopsis orchids is this: the buds barely emerge before they shrivel and drop. In fact, insufficient humidity is a common trigger, but it is not the only one! Today we will explain the causes of bud blast and the rescue methods all in one go, so even beginners can keep their buds safe~

Many people think bud blast is only caused by dryness, but in fact problems with the environment and care can all make buds "go on strike":

Air too dry: Phalaenopsis orchids love moisture, and only feel comfortable at 60%-70% humidity! In heated rooms, air-conditioned rooms, or dry autumn and winter weather, when humidity drops below 50%, the buds will dry out from lack of water, starting to wrinkle and turn black at the tips~

Too much ventilation backfires: ventilation is good, but cold drafts blowing directly or a fan pointed right at the plant will speed up moisture loss from the buds. Especially in dry conditions, the more you ventilate, the more easily the buds dehydrate and blast!

Environment "drastic change": frequently changing its position right after buying it, or suddenly moving it from the flower shop to your home (a sudden change in temperature and humidity) will cause the orchid to drop buds from stress. It is extremely afraid of "moving house"!

Temperature difference too harsh: hot days and cold nights (a temperature difference of more than 10°C), or a sudden drop to below 15°C"frozen"into blasting, and high temperatures above 28°Cwill also make the buds wilt~

There is also improper watering (waterlogged roots rotting /lack of water), too much light (scorching the buds), too strong fertiliser (burning the roots and dropping buds), being close to fruit (ethylene stimulation), and so on, any of which can make the buds "run away"!

For bud blast caused by dryness, the key is "replenish water without waterlogging, add humidity without smothering the flowers":
 
Water tray humidifying method: place a shallow dish filled with clean water +pebbles next to the pot, and set the pot on the stones (do not soak it in the water). The evaporating water raises the surrounding humidity; a must-have for heated rooms /air-conditioned rooms~

Bring in a humidifier: set it up about 30cmaway from the pot, set the humidity to 60%2-3hours a day. Avoid blowing it directly at the buds, and do not let the mist spray onto the buds!

Do not water the buds directly: never spray water on the buds to add humidity! Leftover water droplets cause mould, making the buds rot and drop. Once the humidity is enough, stop; do not overdo it~

Preventing bud blast:
 
1.Environment: once you have placed it in position, do not move it around! Put it in bright, indirect light (behind a sheer curtain by a window), away from air-conditioning vents, radiators, and windows with direct cold draughts.

2.Temperature difference: keep daytime temperatures at 18-25°Cand nighttime temperatures no lower than 15°C

3.Ventilation: opening the window for 1-2hours a day is enough; choose the warm midday hours to open the window, and avoid cold air rushing in; when ventilating, move the pot to a sheltered spot.