Question
Hi, I have a phalanopisis with white flowers it has two new spikes one which has plenty of buds on it but they look as though they are wilting and going to drop off, I have not moved the plant and only water every couple of week to let it dry out and feed once a month. The leaves of the plant are in a very healthy condition. Can you help it has taken almost 9 months to get it to bud again, what am i doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Rachel,

Bud wilt and drop can be due to several things.  Has it been exposed to temperatures below 55F?  Any sudden temperature changes greater than 10F?  Are there fruits close by?  Use any cleaning solutions with a strong odor?  Do any painting of walls recently?  

If one or more of the above occured, that could be the cause.  If none of them happened to your knowledge, can you can write back with more information such as where and how you are growing it, sun exposure, where you live, and I'll explore some other possible causes.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.