Orchid Spikes Suddenly Falling Off: Snail and Slug Damage

Overnight Spike Collapse

If healthy flower spikes suddenly wilt and detach, the most likely culprit is snails or slugs. These nocturnal pests chew through spike bases, causing clean breaks or ragged edges. Check the break points for missing tissue or slime trails.

Detection and Control

• Potato trap: Hollow out half a potato, place cut-side down on the potting mix overnight. Check in the morning—snails/slugs will congregate inside.
• Bait: Apply iron phosphate or metaldehyde slug bait on the mix surface (follow label, keep away from pets).
• Manual removal: Inspect at night with a flashlight; drop pests into soapy water.
• Persistence: Eggs hatch over weeks; continue baiting for a month.

Other Possibilities

If no pests are found, consider: sudden temperature shock, ethylene gas from ripening fruit, or physical damage. But snail/slug damage is the classic "spikes disappear overnight" scenario.

Recovery

The plant itself is likely fine. Cut remaining damaged spikes, maintain good care, and it will produce new spikes next season.