TheNaturePlanet

One of the most distressing things about growing Phalaenopsis is that the flower buds wither and drop off as soon as they emerge. In fact, insufficient humidity is a common cause, but it's not the only one! Today, I'll thoroughly explain the reasons for bud drop and the rescue methods, so even beginners can keep the flower buds intact~

Many people think that bud drop is only due to dryness, but in fact, problems with the environment and maintenance can cause the flower buds to "strike":

- **Too dry air**: Phalaenopsis loves moisture, and a humidity level of 60%-70% is comfortable for them! In heated rooms, air-conditioned rooms, or dry autumn and winter days, if the humidity is below 50%, the flower buds will lack water and dry up, starting to wrinkle and turn black from the tips~

- **Excessive ventilation can harm the flowers**: Although ventilation is good, direct cold wind or blowing with a fan will accelerate water loss from the flower buds. Especially in a dry environment, the more ventilation there is, the easier it is for the flower buds to dehydrate and drop~

- **Sudden changes in the environment**: Moving the plant frequently after just buying it home, or suddenly moving it from the flower shop to home (with sudden changes in temperature and humidity), Phalaenopsis will drop buds due to stress. It is extremely afraid of "moving"!

- **Too much temperature difference**: Hot during the day and cold at night (temperature difference exceeding 10℃), or a sudden drop in temperature below 15℃, the flower buds will be "frozen" and drop. High temperatures exceeding 28℃ can also make the flower buds wilt~

In addition, improper watering (waterlogging leading to root rot / water shortage), too strong light (scorching the flower buds), too concentrated fertilization (burning the roots and causing bud drop), proximity to fruits (stimulation by ethylene), etc., may all cause the flower buds to "fall off"!

For bud drop caused by dryness, the key is to "replenish water without waterlogging, increase humidity without suffocating the flowers":

- **Water basin humidification method**: Place a shallow plate next to the flower pot, fill it with clean water and pebbles, and put the flower pot on the stones (do not soak it in water). The evaporation of water can increase the surrounding humidity, which is essential for heated rooms / air-conditioned rooms~

- **Use a humidifier**: Turn on a humidifier about 30cm away from the flower pot, set the humidity to 60%, and turn it on for 2-3 hours a day. Avoid blowing directly at the flower buds, and do not spray water mist on the flower buds!

- **Do not water the flower buds directly**: Never spray water on the flower buds to increase humidity! Residual water droplets can cause mold, leading to rot and drop of the flower buds. Stop when the humidity is sufficient, do not overdo it~

Prevention of bud drop:

1. **Environment**: Once you place it in a position, don't move it around! Put it in a place with scattered light (behind the window screen), away from air conditioning vents, radiators, and windows with direct cold wind.

2. **Temperature difference**: Keep the temperature at 18-25℃ during the day, and not lower than 15℃ at night. Keep warm in autumn and winter, and do not place it at the door, window, or other places with fluctuating temperatures.

3. **Ventilation**: Open the window for ventilation for 1-2 hours a day. Choose a warm noon to open the window to avoid cold wind blowing in; move the flower pot to a sheltered place when ventilating.