Question
Hi Wayne,

I recently bought a phalaenopsis orchid and it is beautiful! However, a few small buds have turned yellow and have begun shrivelling up (due to the sunlight I'm thinking. But I have since removed the orchid away from any direct sunlight).

My question is: Do I let these dying buds remain on the stem or do I cut off the bud on the stem?

Thanks for you help!

Katy

Answer
The buds that die will shrivel and fall off from the old flower spike naturally so they neeed not be cut off.

The one reason for bud failure that I am concerned about is insufficient plant strength to support these additional buds.  If that is due to root loss, it could jeopardize the long term health of your plant.  When it has finished flowering, I would remove it from its pot and check the roots.  Remove any root that is "mushy" as this dead root is not making a contribution to plant growth or plant health.  If you find any of these mushy roots (and removed them) you should repot the plant in a fresh orchid potting mix.  If you find that all of the roots are firm and fine, you may repot back into the same mix.