Question
Hey Jim!

    Hope you had a great vacation! Just wanted to give you an update about the dendrobiums I emailed you about that were turning colors and looked like they were dying. I came across a picture in a book and it looked like my orchids...turns out it was a aphid infestation. I started treating them with Orthenex spray and the new growth is coming in green. I'm also feeding them a little more and they seem to be rallying. I can't throw out an orchid until it crumbles! Also...while I have you...(grin)....any idea why my Miltonia flowers won't open? I have a beautiful Miltonia with about 5 spikes, filled with buds, but they won't open. When I got it, it had 3 spikes and all the buds eventually fell off unopened. Now it has 5 more. I'd love to see what it looks like! Any thoughts are always appreciated!
   Thanks in advance and hope you have a great week!

   Sheryl

Answer
Hiya Sheryl,

Glad to hear you found the culprit on the dendrobiums.  

While I cannot be certain, it may be that the Miltonia needs a little more warmth to get the buds to open up.  Place it where daytime temperatures will get into the low 70's.  Also, move away any fruits that may be in the area as ripening fruits can emit a gas that can be fatal to flower buds.  

Yes, the short vacation to Calistoga, Ca. was really relaxing.  Spent a couple of days soaking in mineral baths and eating when I wasn't soaking.  (grin)  

Jim