What Causes My Orchid Buds to Die Before They Have a Chance to Open?

Insects

• Aphids, thrips and blossom midges all feed on developing buds’ sap. As buds lose essential water and nutrients to these pests, they shrivel and die, or open to deformed flowers. Practicing good sanitation, removing and destroying dropped buds eliminates any chance of re-infestation form immature insects developing in them. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps kill insect pests. Ensure the product you buy is rated for use on orchids and lists the particular pest you have on the label. Spray three applications at seven- to 10-day intervals and always carefully follow the manufacturer's directions.

Humidity and Water

• Water plays an important role in bud development. Too much or too little water cause buds to drop. Water that is too cold shocks the plant and triggers bud drop. Water your orchids with room-temperature water and avoid getting foliage and buds wet. When you water, water thoroughly so that after a minute or so water runs from the pot into the drainage dish. After 15 to 20 minutes, discard all water in the drainage dish. Only water your orchid when the top 1 or 2 inches of the potting medium are dry. Keep the air around your orchids humid by placing them in a tray filled with pebbles and water. Orchids that experience varying levels of humidity may also drop buds.

Atmosphere and Chemicals

• Orchid buds are highly sensitive to the air around them. Pollution from cigars, cigarette smoke, gas stoves or heaters, fireplaces or even pollution from outdoor sources can cause bud drop. Locate your orchids away from any pollution source, such as drafty windows or doors, air vents, kitchens or bathrooms. Chemicals from improper insecticide use can result in bud drop. Salt buildup from hard water also results in bud drop. Consider watering your orchids with bottled water if your water is hard.

Temperature and Light

• Rapid temperature changes often cause bud blast. Bursts of heat or cooling air from heaters or air conditioners, sudden drafts from windows or doors, bringing an orchid indoors that was out for the summer or vice-versa, even bringing an orchid home from the nursery where you bought it can cause bud drop. Avoid purchasing or moving orchids until after they finished blooming. Don't place them near drafty windows or doors or in kitchens where heat from ovens or cold from refrigerators shock them. Ensure your orchids get good, bright light but no direct sunlight. Too little light prevents budding, while too much desiccates buds.