I have a fairly common phal that I have had bloom for the first time while
being cultured in my house. I am new at growing phals and have a basic
question. Some of the buds did not open and fell off. 4 buds did open.

I am assuming that the buds that fell off did so because of low humidity. I
moved the plant out into my kitchen when the first buds opened and I am
assuming that the humidity in my kitchen is lower than in the bedroom where
the phals are generally kept.

I know I need to get a humidity meter so I cannot tell you the absolute
humidity.

I could mist the plant, but, to be honest, these particular flowers do
nothing for me and I didn't really mind the buds dropping off.

But in general, do the buds need to stay in a humid environment to keep from
falling off. The assumption here is that they dryed out before opening.

Thanks for any replies.

Vito

it may actually have just been you moving it. bud blast can happen
with a change of temp, or other conditions, or just cuz the plant feels
like it. i've got a couple young 'uns that blast a bud or two before
opening the rest; i have an old den that blasts a bud on each spike just
out of cussedness.

next year leave it where it is until the flowers open, then move it to
where you'd like to look at it for a while.

--j_a

Agreed. Bud blast can happen with any change...you could move it into
a place with 100% and it could still happen. It's not indicative of
any mal-nurturing on your part, rest assured. Happy growing.

Xi

Usually the buds will drop off due to "blasting" - a sudden change in
temperature or really drastic drop in humidity.

If they develop normally, but then fail to open, it is often insufficient
water in general, or mites (which also prefer to live in dry environments).

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Uncle_vito" wrote in message
...
I have a fairly common phal that I have had bloom for the first time while
being cultured in my house. I am new at growing phals and have a basic
question. Some of the buds did not open and fell off. 4 buds did open.

I am assuming that the buds that fell off did so because of low humidity.
I moved the plant out into my kitchen when the first buds opened and I am
assuming that the humidity in my kitchen is lower than in the bedroom
where the phals are generally kept.

I know I need to get a humidity meter so I cannot tell you the absolute
humidity.

I could mist the plant, but, to be honest, these particular flowers do
nothing for me and I didn't really mind the buds dropping off.

But in general, do the buds need to stay in a humid environment to keep
from falling off. The assumption here is that they dryed out before
opening.

Thanks for any replies.

Vito