Bud drop usually indicates that temperatures or other conditions have fluctuated too much and stressed the orchid. The most common reason is a sudden chill.

Exposure to a draft or the cold during a trip home from the nursery is a frequent cause. Proximity to a hot or cold windows, air conditioning or heat vent draft, over-fertilization, or too much variation in temperature between day and night can cause buds to fall off. Moving your orchid from a plant shop to a space in your home that has much different humidity or light may lead to bud drop.

While you will have fewer flowers this year, it is possible to care for your plant and look forward to new flowers next year! Find complete care instructions for your Phalaenopsis in our Guide to Phalaenopsis Culture.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service