Review your care schedule according to the following list.
It may help you pinpoint what’s causing your orchid to lose its blooms and buds.
Here are seven common reasons why orchid flowers fall off.
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Too much fluctuation is one of the biggest reasons flowers fall off early.
This can also happen when temperatures rise above or fall below the acceptable range.
Check your plant’s location and prepare to move it, if necessary.
Humidity Level
Orchids thrive in relatively high humidity, from 40 to 70 percent.
If blooms wilt and buds go soft before opening, it’s likely a sign of too much humidity.
When they dry out and fall, the moisture level is too low.
Humidity loss can become a problem especially in winter when supplemental heat produces dry indoor air.
Try one of the following methods to improve it.
Roots that lose turgidity can’t conduct the nutrients needed to produce and maintain blooming.
If you suspect overwatering, remove the orchid from its pot and inspect the roots.
Apply a fungicide to the cut to prevent disease.
Allow a week or two for drying out before starting a less aggressive watering schedule.
The result is the same, with roots unable to provide enough nutrients for flowering.
Drain off excess and begin a more aggressive watering schedule.
Tip
After bloom, some orchids enter into a rest period.
During this time of near dormancy, you will see very little growth or none at all.
This is normal and watering should be cut back.
However, Phalaenopsis orchids do not go dormant, so continue watering as normal.
Incorrect Light
Orchids need plenty of energy to create their complex flower structures.
Light may be the most important factor, since it regulates photosynthesis which produces this energy.
Light also affects temperature and moisture; key factors for orchid health.
Bright, indirect or filtered lightprovides the balance needed.
Once buds have opened, providing a little more light exposure each day can sometimes extend the bloom period.
Insect Damage or Disease
Insects pestsare usually types that damage leaves by sucking moisture from the plant.
Allow time for recovery before returning the orchid to its regular spot.
Over-Fertilizing
Most orchids are sensitive to fertilizer but will benefit from a regular schedule of added nutrients.
Withhold fertilizer until the bloom period is complete and start over with a dilute, mild orchid food.
Repotting at the Wrong Time
Repottingyour orchid annually with fresh material helps support the nutrient level.
Light, loosepotting materials for orchidsare depleted fairly quickly and should be replaced.
Repotting during bloom stresses the plant and can lead to flower loss.
American Orchid Society
Fern Reproduction.
