My Phalaenopsis Orchid Looks Dead But Has Healthy Green Leaves

Bud Death

• If flower buds shrivel or brown before blossoming, environmental problems are likely culprits. Phalaenopsis orchids are especially prone to bud blast, according to Susan Jones's article "Bud Blast" of the American Orchid Society. Possible problems include too much or too little light or water, a dry environment or temperature fluctuations from bringing them inside or opening a hot stove near them.

Flower Death

• In most cases, flower death is a natural part of these orchids' life cycle. Exposure to odorless, colorless ethylene gas kills both buds and flowers within days, according to "Growing the Best Phalaenopsis" on Purdue University website. In most other cases with environmental issues, such as too little light, the leaves react as well.

Remedies

• Make sure you provide species-specific care for Phalaenopsis orchids, as each type orchid has slightly different needs. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer low lighting, preferably in an east-facing window with typical household temperatures during the day. Place these orchids in a tray filled with wet gravel increases humidity. Keep them away from ripening fruits, cigarette smoke, and exhaust from engines and gas heaters, as these produce ethylene gas.

Prolonging Flowering

• If your moth orchid wilts before you had time to enjoy it, prolong the flowering period by applying a diluted, high phosphorus fertilizer. Keeping water away from the flower itself prolongs its lifespan. This helps solve the problem of healthy leaves supporting lifeless orchids, although at some point, the seasonal lifecycle of orchids ends and there are no more blooms until the following year.