Question
Hi -- for the second year in a row, my mini-catt is frustrating me. I put it outside during the summer, and it set two nice spikes, with three buds apiece. (It now is in a south-facing window, about 25 feet from a tall apt. building that blocks some of the sun, though it still gets more light than any othe window in my 2nd floor apt.)

On the first stalk, one bud opened partially (about 70%)  but wilted after 2-3 days. The second bud withered unopened. The third has opened fully and looks fine for now, but if past experience is any indicator, it, too, will wilt within days. On the second stalk, one bud withered unopened. The remaining two buds look fine now, but they still are green and in the pre-opening phase. During the six months the plant is inside, I normally water every two weeks, and feed once a month. I recently increased my watering cycle to once every 10 days, but have not increased feeding, as I feared I might over-fertilize. I have a working humidifier attached to my heat pump, and the mini-catt is on a pebble tray. The indoor temp. varies between 60 and 70. What am I doing wrong??? This is driving me bonkers. Thanks --

Mary Mccauley

Answer
Hello Mary,

If your mini-cattleyas are setting buds, you must be taking pretty good care of them.  Your description of how and where you grow them also sounds pretty good.  As for why the buds and flowers are wilting, there can be many reasons for this.  

While they are indoors, is there some air movement around them or are they placed in a corner.  Orchids need to have some light air movement around them to grow and bloom well.  

Are there any fruits close by?  Ripening fruits emit ethylene gas which is fatal to buds and flowers.  

Are they exposed to any sudden changes in temperature such as from a window or door?  You mentioned a heat pump, are they fairly close to it?  If so, it may be better to have them at least 5 feet from it.  

Lastly, some mini-cattleyas do not hold their flowers for very long.  Depending upon what species are in its heritage, the flowers may last from several days to a month or longer.  

I hope some of the above helps.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.