Question
I have just purchased my Phalaenopsis, and it's flowers, which were gorgeous upon purchase and had many unopened buds, are now drooping and yellowing.  I believe I probably exposed the plant to too much of a temperature change on its trip home.  The leaves are still green and healthy, I have the flower near indirect sunlight, and have kept a window open all day, the temperature in the low to mid 70s.  Is there anything I can do for the unopened buds?  Two of the buds are beginning to open, with one of them already showing signs of drooping even before flowering.  Also, is this behavior indicative of a temperature shock, or could there be another problem?

Answer
Michelle, if you believe the plant was subjected to high temperatures (above 85 degrees) on the way home, it is likely that this is the case.  This time of the year, temperatures in a vehicle can rise quickly-especially if you make a stop for shopping or other activity and leave the plant in the vehicle.  You would know if that happened and, if so, could cause the problem you described.  The affected buds will likely not recover but, the good news is, phalaenopsis have a tendency to generate new buds if the old ones have aborted, so you may see the formation of additional buds in the coming weeks.

Another, but less likely, possibility is that the plant has root rot.  It is too much of a coincidence, however, that a plant with healthy buds would suddenly have them abort.  I have seen and heard of many nurseries who sell orchids in an inappropriate potting mix which has either degraded or is the wrong mix for new growers.  This can result in root loss with leaves turning yellow and buds, if present, dropping.  Since your plant is generally otherwise healthy, I think your thoughts on the reason for the bud drop is more likely.  You are growing it well now but when flowering has ceased it would be well to locate a source of orchid potting mix with fir bark and other ingredients and repot the plant so you know you have the best environment for future root health.  When you repot, soak the potting mix well before use as dry fir bark repels water and will suck the moisture from the roots.  After unpotting, rinse the roots so you can examine them and remove any that are mushy as they are dead or dying.  I recommend a plastic pot with lots of drainage holes in the bottom for repotting. After repotting, water thoroughly once per week.