What Are the Causes of Bud Drop on Orchids?

Water

• Overwatering and underwatering can both cause bud drop in orchid plants. Some orchids need to dry out between watering and other orchids don't. It depends on the variety of orchid and the type of growing medium the orchids are planted in. Cattleyas are sensitive to overwatering since they store water in their roots. Phalaenopsis orchids should never be allowed to dry out completely because they don't have water storing nodes in their roots.

Temperature

• The temperature around orchids needs to be kept constant. If the temperature fluctuates too widely, the buds will drop from the plant. Orchids grow best in temperatures that range from about 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Don't place the orchid near a hot window, air conditioning vent or heat vent.

Gas

• Certain types of gas can cause bud drop in orchids. Ethylene gas from ripe fruit can make an orchid drop its buds, as can natural gas, paint fumes or other types of chemicals. Methane produced from other flowering plants can also cause orchid bud drop. Keep your budding orchids away from such fumes to protect them.

Light

• All orchids need a certain amount of light to produce flower buds. Orchids that aren't getting enough light can drop their buds. Most orchids need to be placed near a bright window but out of direct sunlight or under grow lights to flower properly.