Orchid Bud Problems

Temperature

• Orchids that are subjected to high temperatures may suffer bud drop or the buds will produce distorted flowers. Generally, the plants need day temperatures 10 to 15 degrees F warmer than the nighttime temperatures, which is about 55 to 65 F. Keep the plants away from heating and cooling vents, which causes the temperatures around the plant to fluctuate if the orchids are grown indoors.

Humidity

• Low humidity will also cause the buds to distort and drop from the plant before flowering. Good air circulation will help keep the temperatures and humidity around the orchid within the ideal range, which varies according to the types of orchid plants. The relative humidity ideal for most orchids is about 60 percent, which can be achieved by using a drainage tray filled with pebbles and water under the orchid if the plant is grown indoors.

Ripe Fruits

• Some ripening fruits such as pears, apples and peaches will give off ethylene gas, which will cause orchid buds to drop and flowers to wilt. Keep fruits far enough away from actively growing orchid plants by moving them to another room. Gas leaks from the oven or stove top can cause the plant to drop buds or the flowers to wilt when the plants are grown indoors.

Pests

• Normally, orchid plants grown indoors don't have a problem with pests, but in some cases it can happen just as it does to outdoor orchids. Thrips will feed on flowers and buds, sucking the plant juices from the orchid. Thrips are less than 1/3 inch long with a slender body appearing brownish in color and pointed on the rear. The buds and flowers will die back and drop from the plant. Generally, basic maintenance of orchids as far as watering, humidity, temperatures and fertilizer will help prevent the orchid from succumbing to pests. There are many insecticides available to treat orchids infected with thrips that contain diazinon or acephate.