Gift Phalaenopsis Wilting Overnight: Ethylene, Temperature, and Paint Fumes

Question:

Bought an orchid as a gift (I don't grow them). Day after bringing it home, all flowers wilting. Soil was dry so I watered; two days later still wilted. Indoors near south-facing window. Birthday is tomorrow—help!

Answer:

Hello Carol,

Oops, a bit late—the birthday already passed.

When you brought it home, was there fruit nearby? Ripening fruit emits ethylene gas—fatal to orchid flowers. Also: freshly painted walls (fumes), sudden temp changes >15°F, temps below 50°F or above 85°F.

Sorry for the late reply.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA