Question
I have several phaelenopsis orchids and, all of a sudden, the flowers have begun to die.  In the past, one flower would drop off at a time.  Now, however, all are dead (or dying)on one plant and more are dying on the others.  What could be wrong?  Have done nothing new.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Linda,

There are many causes for flowers to die suddenly but the most common causes are fruits laying near by and sudden temperature changes.  Ripening fruits produce a gas as they ripen that can be fatal to flowers.  If there was a sudden temperature change such as a heater vent close by or an open window, there may have been a sudden drop greater than 10F.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.