Orchid Buds Falling Off: How To Prevent Orchid Bud Blast

Orchids can be sensitive plants and they need a specific environment to thrive. When something isn't right, orchid buds falling off is a typical stress response.

Known as orchid bud blast, this defense mechanism enables the plant to divert energy to the stems, foliage, and roots. It is one of the most common orchid problems, and usually a simple fix, but you will need to amend your orchid care routine.

Orchid flowers falling off – known as bloom blast – may also be a sign of stress. However, orchid buds not opening is particularly frustrating, as you won't get to enjoy any flowers.

This article delves into the causes of orchid bud blast, and how to remedy the condition.

Common Causes Of Orchid Buds Falling Off

The causes of orchid buds falling off can vary. There are many types of orchids, but in the wild most grow in warm, humid environments. The best way to prevent orchid bud blast is to mimic the plant's natural growing conditions as closely as possible.

You should research the specific needs of your particular variety to identify any obvious causes. However, these are the most common reasons for orchid bud blast:

Temperature Changes

To get orchids to rebloom, they need a drop between day and night-time temperatures of about 10 to 15°F (5 to 8°C). Like all plants, they also expect climate variations between seasons. However, temperature changes should never be sudden.

Something as simple as a hot oven releasing heat or a cool draft from an air conditioner can cause bud blast in orchids.

Even watering with water that is too cold or too hot can stress your plant and cause buds to drop.

Extreme weather conditions may also be to blame, as well as bringing plants back inside after spending summer outdoors.

Bear in mind that different varieties of orchids have different temperature requirements, depending on whether they are warm, intermediate, or cool-growing. Keep orchids in an environment consistent with their preferred temperature range.

If you need to move your orchid to a new position, do so after it blooms to prevent stress.

Incorrect Watering

Learning how to water orchids correctly is key to preventing orchid bud blast. Overwatering and underwatering are both common culprits.

Orchid buds drying up before dropping is often caused by underwatering, as the stressed plant drains moisture from the buds.

However, overwatering can be even worse, as orchids hate sitting in water. As well as bud blast, this can cause root rot or orchid crown rot.

Orchid buds turning yellow may be a sign of overwatering.

On average, orchids need watering every week, but this can vary depending on the species. The plant's potting mixture should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Check it every few days by pushing your finger an inch (2.5cm) deep.

Bear in mind that orchids also absorb water from humidity in the air, so in dry environments, orchid buds dying can be a result of underwatering and low humidity.

Increase humidity with a humidifier, daily misting, or by placing them on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Pollutants In The Atmosphere

Orchid buds falling off due to harsh chemicals in the air is surprisingly common, as the plants are highly sensitive to pollutants.

This may include perfumes, paint fumes, chemical cleaners, gas leaks, cigarette smoke, and fumes or drift from herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.

Even ethylene gas from ripening fruit, and methane released from flowering plants can all be causes of orchid bud blast.

Improper Fertilizing

Applying too much fertilizer can sometimes be the cause of orchid bud blast. Orchid fertilizing encourages plants to bloom, but when applied in excess can cause salt build-up and fertilizer burn.

Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly only when they are actively producing new growth. Use a water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids, and apply according to the label's instructions.

After flowering, stop fertilizing until new leaves begin to grow again.

Light Issues

Orchids need enough light if they are to bloom, and if light levels are too low it can cause the buds to blast.

However, if the light is too bright for your particular species, the plant may scorch and the buds may fall off.

Orchid light requirements vary by species so check whether your plant is a low-light, medium-light, or high-light orchid.

This will make a big difference as to whether you can position it right next to the window, and whether it needs to be next to an east, west, or south-facing window.

Pests

Orchid pests can sometimes be a cause of bud blast. An infestation of pests can lead to plants dropping buds or orchid leaves falling off.

Sap-sucking insects, such as aphids, thrips, and mealybugs, drain the plant sap, which harms the orchid's ability to refuel.

Inspect plants regularly for any pest presence. Minor infestations can usually be washed off or treated with insecticidal soap.

Orchid Bud Blast Remedy

Orchid bud blast must be dealt with promptly, as it is an early warning sign that the plant is stressed.

Trial and error may be necessary, as you need to ensure that the orchid has the correct temperature, light levels, and watering regime.

If you have ruled out the most common culprits, try repotting your orchid. Potting soil does not work well for orchids. Plants need a light, airy orchid potting medium.

Learning how to repot an orchid correctly will save you a lot of heartache, helping to avoid common orchid diseases.

Soak your plant and remove it from its potting mix. Examine the orchid roots – their condition can help to establish the plant's health.

Remove any dead or infected roots and allow the plant to dry before repotting it with a soilless orchid potting mix. Make sure you push the mix between the roots.

The plant may need to go up a pot size if the current orchid container is struggling to accommodate the spread of the roots.

When done, water the orchid deeply, and allow it to drain through.