Orchid Flowers Falling Off


In this article we will see the most important keys to know how to make orchids bloom and the reasons why the orchid flowers fall.

Orchids are reputed to be difficult to grow. However, if you go to a local market or garden store, there are dozens of orchids with very little money. Each blooming conditions very far from the ideal. What’s the trick?

The flowers of all the genera of orchids are characterized by having a long life. It is usual that these flowers, if there is no factor against, remain for several weeks (up to 8 or more depending on gender). The reason is that they are difficult to pollinate and nature has prepared them to stay alive for a long time and increase the possibility of being fertilized and, therefore, reproduce by means of microscopic seeds. However, it happens frequently, that in a precipitous way the flowers close and begin to fall before the impotence of the person who contemplates and cares for them.

The hybrid species that are on sale today have been bred for generations. Not only for its large, bright and colorful flowers, but also for its hardness, ease of growth and stable flowering.

The omnipresent moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) has overtaken the Poinsettia (Euphorbia) as the world’s number one pot orchid. That’s because it blooms for months and survives in normal household conditions . Flowering problems occur when treated like any other plant.

Novice orchid growers are often surprised to discover that, despite following the instructions for caring for their plant, the orchid’s flowers begin to wilt and fall off. In most cases, this is a normal part of the life cycle of Phalaenopsis orchids and other species. Falling flowers simply indicates that your orchid has reached the end of its flowering cycle and is now storing energy to flower again.

The conclusion is that orchids are not difficult plants, they are simply different, something that does not take into account many people at the time of knowing how to make orchids bloom.

To begin with, most orchids are epiphytes, that is, they grow on the surface of tree branches or rocks. Its thick and strong roots have adapted to anchor to the bark or stone and are accustomed to the routine of getting wet and dry quickly in tropical forests.

They need air and space around them, so they rot in a pot with a normal substrate. In fact, roots are the key to growing healthy plants and getting orchids to bloom.

Following these basic instructions for care you will see that your orchid has the strength to flourish year after year.

In the first place and before taking hasty measures, it is necessary to know what happens, what can be the cause that causes such fall.

We must remember that if the closure of the flowers obeys natural causes (the period of 7 or 8 weeks has already passed) it is a completely normal process. We can know that this is the cause (apart from time already elapsed) because the flowers begin to wither in the order of greatest antiquity. Thus the first to do so will be the first to flourish on the staff (usually the ones below).

However, sometimes the loss of flowering may be indicative of a greater problem in the health of your orchid. How can you differentiate between the natural loss of flowering and something more worrisome? We will answer your question:

Reasons Of Flower Falling

What is Normal?

The natural cycle of orchid flowering is a flowering peak in late fall or early winter, then bloom in early spring. Some orchids will bloom for several months before the flowers wilt and fall. 
There are some types of orchids in which flowering occur throughout the year, do not follow an exact pattern. Instead, you can expect your orchid to flower up to three months after its purchase before it withers. 
If the flowers of your orchid have a normal life and then wither slowly and fall off, you have nothing to worry about. Cut the ends of the flower about 3cm above the flower node and continue with your care regime. You are likely to see more flowers in just a few months.

Another aspect to consider when we close the flowers of a stick is if the stick remains green or is taking a light brown. Sometimes an orchid can decide for reasons such as lack of water or excess of this, sacrifice all the floral rod so that all the flowers will fall quickly when the sap does not arrive.

What is not normal:

If the buds of your orchid suddenly fall off before they bloom, it is likely that your plant is suffering from an explosion of buds. This is probably preceded by the fact that the buds dry out and become brittle or softer.

A similar reaction can happen to your orchid after it has already blossomed. In this case, the flowers will dry out prematurely and will fall almost at once.

Let’s see now the causes that can cause both the drying of a stick, and the precipitous fall of buds or flowers.

Too much irrigation, the terror of orchids:

When people ask themselves how to make orchids bloom, no one thinks that they are being watered too much. Over-watering is the number one cause of death for orchids . When an orchid blooms, it’s like a new pet, you give it a lot of attention. But once the flowers fade, you begin to forget about the water.

Then, one day, you notice a leaf looks uglier or a root in the air turns brown. To make it even worse, you start watering several times a week, instead of just once. A leaf falls, the roots look worse and worse.

The orchid is not thirsty, it is drowning, but it seems to be drying up. Before you knew it, you have a pot with muddy earth and a dying orchid. Do not let this happen to you.

If you want to make orchids bloom year after year, give your orchid the proper care while it is in bloom and out of bloom.

When to cut the rods of the orchids used for a stronger plant:

After your orchid finishes blooming it is the best time to cut the flower stick. This is located near the base of the plant. An orchid needs to rest after

flourish to accumulate energy for the next season.

Common causes of flower closure and fall:

  • The most frequent cause is pollination by an insect. In this case the flowers are closed randomly.
  • An excess of temperature (above 30 ° C) shortens the duration of the flowers. Temperatures at the low end (less than 12-15º C. approx.) At flowering time have the same effects.
  • The direct sun, of course, will damage the flowers and the plant.
  • Another common cause is the manipulation of the plant. Change it, touch it, etc.
  • During flowering do not move it from site or transplant it.
  • Excess moisture or lack thereof in the roots cause the closure of the same.
  • Wet or spray the flowers with water or any other product (insecticide, fungicide, fertilizer, etc.).
  • An excess of fertilizer during flowering is also harmful. You have to restrict the subscriptions during this period (go to biweekly or monthly frequency).
  • The air currents are bad for flowers. Although orchids require an environment with renewed air, the direct air on them produces the closing of the flowers (except the Vanda, Cymbidiums and others that can better support external environments).
  • Closed, rarefied, contaminated environments, with smoke or decomposing organic material that release gases, irremediably damage the flowers.
  • Finally, any disease caused by bacteria, fungi, insects or other can reduce the life of flowers. Observe the plant well if you suspect the presence of any of these pathogens.

What can we do to keep the flowers from falling?

The explosion of buds or flowers is almost always caused by a traumatic change in the environment where you have your orchid. This may be due to a sudden change in temperature, humidity or inadequate hydration. Verify that your orchid is not close to a current of air such as an air conditioner that starts up during the summer. Watch also the irrigation as we will see now.

Another cause of the outbreak explosion could be the proximity of your orchid to the fruit that emits ethylene gas as it matures, so avoid placing your orchid near a fruit bowl.

The outbreak explosion does not have to be a death sentence for your orchid. By treating the cause of the problem and creating a healthier environment for your orchids, you will be enjoying new buds and blooms in no time.

Proposed solutions to avoid falling flowers:

  • Avoid the entry of insects. We recommend using natural repellents (for example, products based on neen extract).
  • Check that the plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures (above 30 ° C. Or below 12-15º C. during flowering.
  • Avoid that touches the direct sunlight and air currents.
  • Do not move the plant during flowering or carry out any type of transplant of container, pot, etc.
  • Avoid excess watering but also that the roots dry too much (white color)
  • Remember that the irrigation water must be very soft water (low mineralization) and used at room temperature
  • Abone less frequently (biweekly or weekly without passing the dose and / or manufacturer’s instructions).
  • Avoid spraying the flowers with water or another product.
  • Avoid that the environment is very charged (smoke, odors, organic gases, etc.)
  • Finally observe that your plant does not present any disease or attack of parasites that can cause a weakening of the plant and, therefore, a fall precipitated from the flowers.
  • Especially inspect the state of the roots.

Don Burke

I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide.  I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.

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