Phalaenopsis Bud Blast: Ethylene Gas, Dry Air, or Temperature Shock

Tiny Buds Yellowing = Dead

1–2 mm buds yellow/wrinkled = aborted. Larger buds (1 cm) and flowers okay so far.

Top Causes

1. Ethylene gas from ripening fruit nearby (move fruit >8 ft away).
2. Low humidity / dry air.
3. Drafts from HVAC vents.
4. Sudden temp change >10°F.
5. Constantly wet mix.

Light Note

NE window = fine (unless Southern Hemisphere). Not the cause.

Action

Identify & fix cause. Buds won't recover, but plant survives if stressor removed.