# Vanda Buds Turning Brown & Not Developing
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Thrips
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Thrips are tiny insects less than 1/10 inch long. They damage orchids by sucking plant juices out of the buds and causing them to turn brown and stop developing. They also feed on open flowers, causing them to become deformed, develop discolored petals and turn brown. Control thrips by removing dead plant parts and spraying plants with a forceful spray of water to knock the thrips off the leaves. Insecticidal soap is also an effective way to control this pest.
Aphids
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Aphids are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that are usually less than 1/8 inch long. They damage the leaves, flowers and buds of orchids by feeding on the plant juices. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and distorted, dried-out and dead buds. Shed "skins" of immature aphids can often be found around the plant. In addition, aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that coats the plant and attracts black sooty mold. Control aphids by knocking them off your plants with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal oils and soaps are also an effective control.
Environmental Issues
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"Bud blast" is a term that's used to cover the many reasons why healthy orchids suddenly develop withered buds that drop off the plant. Environmental changes are the main reasons behind this condition. Environmental changes include being exposed to dry air from heaters or air conditioners, over- or under-watering, temperatures that are too high or too low, too much light and pollution from cigarette smoke or other sources.
Culture
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There are three basic types of Vandas: those with broad, flat leaves; those with fleshy, cylindrical leaves; and a hybrid of the two. Vandas with cylindrical leaves prefer full sun, while the other two types need partial shade. Daytime temperatures should be below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and nights should be between 60 and 70 degrees. Vandas also prefer humidity to be around 80 percent. This can be accomplished by placing plants on trays containing gravel and water. Provide Vanda orchids with plenty of water. If they're grown in a basket or in coarse potting medium, they may need to be watered every day. Apply a 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week when the weather's warm.
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