Why are my orchids buds drying up before they bloom?

I had a bud that dried up and dropped after I received it. I had stuck it in my terrarium and was later told that they sometimes drop buds when they experience a change in environment or have recently been shipped across the country. Thankfully, the spike finished developing and bloomed for me. If you've recently purchased it, it might just need some time to adjust. Here's some info from a good website... this might help you out if you've owned the orchid for a long time and have not recently purchased it. Goodluck!





From http://www.wickfordorchids.com/orchid_bu鈥?/a>





1. Low Humidity





Since many orchid owners have plants that bloom in the winter, I would suspect low humidity as the culprit. During the colder seasons we turn up the heat not only to warm ourselves but also our plants. A very noble deed! But as the air warms, the moisture is lost and general humidity drops. Although you and I may not realize it, the plants do... and if the air dries out enough - bud blast. Not to mention the sudden upswing in temperature which again may result in bud blast. Solution: Make a humidity tray large enough to accommodate the entire plant, leaves included, not just the pot.





2. Poor Root System





Another situation conducive for bud drop comes with a more subtle causative - and that is: poor root systems. This may come as a surprise to many, so let me explain the relationship. Developing buds that are actively growing, and enlarging flowers require a certain amount of nourishment and energy. They do indeed receive much of this from the storage capacity of pseudobulbs (and to an extent, leaves) but what supplies them? - Correct. the roots! Poor roots = poor flowering and bud drop. Make a special effort to develop the best root system possible through good culture. Your reason for growing orchids will be richly rewarded.Why are my orchids buds drying up before they bloom?
How are you watering your orchids?





If you are not soaking the bark for 15 minutes once a week; then your orchids are probably not getting enough water; or do you have them in direct sunlight; maybe they are 'burning' from too much light.