Question
Hi,
I have a phalenopsis that was outside all summer in bright shade where it
thrived, producing 2 new flower stems. The biggest stem with buds just
started turning brown and shrinking in an area just below where the buds
start. It is now bent and ready to break off. I have had this happen before
when it was ready to bloom, the buds shrunk and died before blooming. The
only change recently is, since it is now Fall, and night temperatures fall below
10 degrees C.I have brought it indoors. It is in a south window, with only
about an hour of direct sunlight. Do you know what may be causing this?
Unfortunately the south window is the only one I have that gets enough light.
I live in Canada and now the days are very short and light is getting low.
Many cloudy days.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Answer
Leigh, Phalaenopsis do not do well below 15 degrees C and, if the buds were exposed to such temperature, could be the cause of bud aborting. Also, as the temperature drops, so does the humidity and reduced humidity can also cause bud drop. Be sure that you repot your phal after each flowering as root loss could also weaken the plant so that it doesn't have the energy to complete the flowering cycle.  In addition to repotting, I suggest that you place the plant on a humidity tray and rig up a plant light to provide supplemental lighting for up to 12 hours per day during the winter.  You should be able to find a clip-on light fixture and use a plant light in the fixture.  Keep the light about 18 inches from the plant.