Why do orchid flowers wither
When growing Orchid growers try their best to speed up and extend the flowering time. But all the work becomes in vain when the orchid flowers wither for unknown reasons.
Causes of wilting orchid flowers
Causes of wilting orchid flowers
The fact that the flowers of an orchid wither is the culprit of the florist himself, who poorly organized the care of the plant. At unfavorable air temperature, humidity level, watering regime, drafts and other reasons, flowers fade.
But it's not always worth looking for problems in your own mistakes. When buying a blooming flower from a store, it is impossible to predict when it will shed its buds. To avoid such problems, you should buy Orchid with closed flowers or with 1-2 open buds.
Changes to conditions of detention
If the flower arrow of a purchased orchid begins to die off, its buds fade and fall off, the reason is often a sharp change in the conditions of the flower. Orchids are moody and dislike transportation, especially in cool, windy weather. Simply moving home from the store is stressful.
This reason, leading to the end of the flowering period, is not dangerous for the plant. With proper care, it will get used to new growing conditions, and will delight the grower with large bright buds.
Unfavorable microclimatic conditions
Temperature and humidity levels are interrelated indicators. Their balance is important for the orchid, especially during the flowering period. The biggest problem occurs in winter. Dry air is often the reason a flower wilted. Since orchids are often grown on windowsills above heating radiators, the air space around the heating device is subject to change. Dry air negatively affects both the foliage of the plant and its buds.
Frostbite also threatens flowers in winter. In frosts, the flower withers even when it touches the glass.
In summer, in addition to maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity, it is important to pay attention to protecting Phalaenopsis from the harmful effects of sunlight. The high temperature of heating the space near the window contributes to drying, the peduncle and leaves. The roots of the pet also dry out.
Irrigation errors
If orchid flowers wither, irrigation errors may be the cause. Withering of buds is a consequence of both a lack of moisture and its excess. When the roots cease to receive the required amount of moisture, the plant can show its dissatisfaction with the wilting of 1-2 buds, and all flowers.
If drought shortens the flowering period of Phalaenopsis, then waterlogging of the soil threatens with rotting of its roots. When the roots rot away, they cannot feed the flower stalk and green mass. The most unnecessary parts - the buds - are the first to suffer. The flowers begin to wither and fall off. Subsequent symptoms extend to the leaves of the flower.
Lack of light
The intensity of illumination and the duration of daylight hours are the fundamental factors in the growth and development of an indoor flower, as well as the onset of its flowering period. For Orchids, it is normal to be exposed to light 12 hours a day.
The intensity of lighting is more complicated. The reason that Phalaenopsis withers is often the flower's dissatisfaction with the range of illumination of home lamps. This problem is especially acute in winter, when the length of daylight decreases. Without additional illumination with ultraviolet lamps, the pet begins to stop growing, get sick and slowly die.
Pests
If the orchid has become lethargic, the cause of this is often a mealybug lesion. This insect sucks out juices from the green mass and buds of the plant. In just a few days, the flower can die. Therefore, there will not be much time to save the pet.
It is possible to identify signs of damage by such a pest by the state of the leaf plate and trunk. Their surface becomes sticky, and a thin cobweb forms on the surface.
Rescuing a withering plant
It is important to determine the cause of wilting
If the orchid has begun to wither, it is important to determine the main reasons for this phenomenon (since you cannot find the right way otherwise) To save a withered pet, you will have to use one of the following options:
- if you suspect the harmful effects of sunlight, Phalaenopsis should be shaded;
- to prevent the soil from drying out in winter, cover the heating radiator with a thick cloth (if the orchid is nearby, on the windowsill);
- eliminate the harmful effects of a draft;
- install a favorable air temperature (22-24 ° C) in the room where the flower is contained, sometimes the orchid does not bloom because it is frozen;
- increase the level of humidity in the room using a household device (an alternative method is to install a container with water next to the pot);
- water the plant if necessary.
If the buds wither without blooming, the reason often lies in the poor condition of the roots of the plant. Roots can rot from over-watering or suffer from lack of oxygen. You should prepare the necessary tool, disinfect it and start resuscitation of the pet:
- You should carefully remove the flower from the pot.
- Rinse the roots with water.
- Trim affected roots.
- Treat the cut sites with activated carbon or cinnamon.
- Plant the orchid in a new pot with good drainage.
Pest control
If the orchid wilted due to the activity of pests, it will be necessary to organize the correct treatment with specialized means. A sluggish orchid will be saved if first aid is provided quickly and efficiently.
Both special preparations and folk remedies can be used against mealy black. Among the popular methods, the most popular are:
- treatment of damaged areas with soapy water.
- processing with infusions of garlic and calendula.
- essential oils.
Traditional methods are effective only for minor damage. A stronger remedy is copper sulfate. Other fungicides are also used (Agravertin, Fitoverm, Aktara, etc.).
Prevention measures
To avoid wilting of the orchid, you should take care of proper care of it. During the flowering period, it follows:
- Maintain a comfortable temperature for Orchids. In summer - 20-25 ° С, in winter - 16-19 ° С.
- Arrange the right lighting. The light should be diffused. Lighting duration 12-12 hours.
- Control the level of humidity in the air. It should not fall below 50%.
- Water the plant as the soil dries.
- Apply top dressing every 3 weeks by adding mineral compounds to the water for irrigation.
There are separate requirements for spraying Phalaenopsis during the flowering period. The water that gets in the buds negatively affects them, so this procedure is carried out with caution.For inexperienced owners of Orchids, it is better to temporarily stop spraying.
Conclusion
The withering of orchid buds is often the fault of the grower. The main reason is unfavorable conditions of detention and inaccuracies in care. If the flowers have wilted already open, it will be difficult to revive these buds. But identifying your own mistakes will help you avoid such problems in the future.