Orchids are not blooming
Last reviewed: 11.03.2025

Orchids are magnificent plants that delight us with their beautiful and exotic colors. But what if your orchid does not bloom? Why do they dry out without blooming, and how to help the plant to bloom again? In this article, we will consider in detail why the orchid buds do not bloom, what to do in such situations, as well as what errors should be avoided.
Why don't the orchid buds bloom?
There are several reasons why the orchid buds do not bloom. Let's figure out what can impede their normal development:
- Insufficient lighting. Orchids need enough light for normal growth and flowering. If the lighting is too weak, the buds can stop developing and dry. This is especially true for species that require bright diffused light.
- Temperature differences. Orchids are sensitive to sharp changes in temperature. If night and daytime temperatures are very different, this can lead to the fact that the orchid buds do not bloom, but dry. Orchids love a stable temperature within 18-25 ° C.
- Low humidity. The level of humidity is another important factor. If the air in the room is too dry, the buds may not open. Orchids need humidity at a level of 50-70%, especially during the formation of buds.
- Lever or waterlogging of the roots. The root system of the orchid should be in the correct balance of humidity. If the plant is overdried or, conversely, undergoes excess watering, this can lead to the fact that the orchid buds dry out without blooming.
- Incorrect fertilizer. Excess or lack of fertilizers can also adversely affect the development of buds. It is important to use special fertilizers for orchids and observe the recommended dosages.
The orchids have buds without blossoming: reasons and decision
The orchid’s buds drying out is a common problem that flower growers face. The reasons can be associated with the errors of care, adverse conditions of content or the physiological characteristics of the plant. In this article we will analyze the main reasons and give recommendations to prevent this problem.
The main reasons for the drying of orchid buds
1. Sharp temperature drops
- Reason: Orchids are sensitive to temperature differences, especially during the formation of buds. A sharp decrease in temperature at night or cold drafts can cause stress.
- Solution:
- Support the temperature in the afternoon +18 ... +25 ° C, at night +15 ... +18 ° C.
- Avoid drafts and proximity to heating devices.
2. Lack of lighting
- Reason: Orchids need a bright, but scattered light. The lack of light leads to the weakening of the plant, which is why the buds dry out.
- Solution:
- Place the orchid on the eastern or western window.
- In winter, use phytolamps to extend daylight hours up to 12-14 hours.
3. Incorrect watering
- Reason: Excessive watering causes rotting of the roots, and the disadvantage - drying out the substrate. Both cases lead to drying buds.
- Solution:
- Water the orchid when the substrate dries completely, but do not allow the drying of the roots.
- Use the immersion method for 10-15 minutes, allowing the water to completely drain.
4. Low air humidity
- Reason: dry air leads to dehydration of the plant and drying out the buds. Orchids are sensitive to humidity below 50%.
- Solution:
- Support humidity at 60–80%.
- Use a humidifier of air, a pallet with wet expanded clay or regularly spray the leaves with warm water (not buds!).
5. Transfer or change of conditions
- Reason: the movement of an orchid, its transplant or a sharp change of space cause stress and discharge of buds.
- Solution:
- Move the orchid only as a last resort.
- Let the plant adapt within 1-2 weeks after purchase.
6. Nutrient deficiency
- Reason: The lack of micro- and macroelements weakens the plant, and an excess of fertilizer causes burns of the roots.
- Solution:
- Feed the orchid fertilizer with the formula NPK 10:20:20 times every 2-3 weeks during the period of active growth and flowering.
- Use only special fertilizers for orchids in a half concentration.
7. Pests and diseases
- Reason: pests, such as spider mites, thrips or powdery marthes, as well as fungal infections can affect buds, causing their drying.
- Solution:
- Inspect the plant for pests.
- Treat with insecticides or fungicides when the lesions are detected.
How to save an orchid if the buds have already dried up?
Cut the dried buds:
- Gently remove the dried buds with sterile scissors or a secateur to prevent the spread of infection.
Check the roots:
- Take the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots are green or silver, elastic. Cut all the rotten parts and treat the sections with chopped coal or cinnamon.
Update the conditions of care:
- Make sure that the plant receives sufficient lighting, proper watering and humidity.
Stimulate the plant:
- Use growth stimulants such as Epin or Circus, "to support a weakened plant.
- Apply fertilizers only after the restoration of the roots.
The orchid drops the buds without blossoming: what to do
The discharge of buds in orchids is a common problem that many flower growers face. The main causes are associated with improper care, sharp changes in the environment or diseases. In this article, we will analyze in detail why the orchid drops buds and how to prevent this problem.
The main reasons for the discharge of buds from orchids
1. Sharp temperature drops
Reason:
Orchids are very sensitive to sharp temperature differences. Cold air from the window, drafts or heat from the batteries can cause stress, as a result of which the orchid drops buds.
Solution:
- Support the temperature from +18 to +25 ° C, at night - +15 ... +18 ° C.
- Avoid drafts, do not put the plant next to heaters or air conditioners.
2. Lack of light
Reason:
Orchids need a bright, but scattered light. The lack of lighting leads to the discharge of buds due to the impossibility of a full-fledged photosynthesis.
Solution:
- Put the plant on the eastern or western window.
- In winter, use phytolamps, providing daylight hours 12-14 hours.
3. Incorrect watering
Reason:
The overflow or lack of moisture negatively affects the orchid. Pouring leads to rotting of the roots, and the lack of water to drying the buds.
Solution:
- Water the orchid when the substrate dries completely.
- Use the immersion method for 10-15 minutes, allowing the water to completely drain.
4. Low air humidity
Reason:
Dry air leads to a rapid withering of buds. Orchids prefer humidity at 60–80%.
Solution:
- Use a humidifier or a pallet with wet expanded clay.
- Spray the leaves with warm water, avoiding moisture to get on buds.
5. Moving the plant
Reason:
Change of space, transplanting or buying an orchid lead to stress. Moving violates the microclimate to which the plant is used to.
Solution:
- Do not change the location of the orchid without the need.
- After purchase, give the plant 1-2 weeks to adapt in a new place.
6. Nutrient deficiency
Reason:
The lack of top dressing or an excess of fertilizer negatively affect the formation of buds.
Solution:
- Feed the plant with a fertilizer with the formula NPK 10:20:20 or a special tool for orchids.
- Apply fertilizers every 2-3 weeks during active growth and flowering.
7. Diseases and pests
Reason:
Pests, such as spider mites, powdery marthes or thrips, as well as fungal and bacterial infections lead to discharge of buds.
Solution:
- Inspect the orchid for the presence of pests.
- If you detect, treat with insecticide or fungicide.
How to save an orchid if she drops the buds?
Check the condition of the roots:
- Take the plant out of the pot and examine the roots.
- Healthy roots are green or silver, elastic. Cut all the rotten parts and treat the sections with chopped coal or cinnamon.
Provide the correct lighting:
- Put the orchid on the eastern or western window.
- Provide daylight hours 12-14 hours using phytolamps in the winter.
Stabilize humidity:
- Support humidity at 60–80%.
- Use a humidifier or a pallet with wet expanded clay.
Regular watering:
- Water the plant only after the substrate dries completely.
- Avoid stagnation of water in the pot.
Feed the plant:
- Use fertilizers for orchids in a half dosage.
- Bring top dressing only after the restoration of the plant.
Create a comfortable microclimate:
- Keep the temperature in the afternoon +18 ... +25 ° C, at night +15 ... +18 ° C.
- Avoid sharp temperature drops.
Prevention of the discharge of orchid buds
- Stable conditions: Keep the plant away from drafts, batteries and air conditioners.
- Regular watering: water the orchid correctly, avoiding overflow and drying out.
- Lighting control: Provide the plant with bright diffused light.
- Maintenance of humidity: Use a humidifier or pallet of water.
- Regular examinations: check the plant for the presence of pests and signs of diseases.
Why does the orchids dry the buds without blooming?
The orchid’s buds drying out is a common problem that flower growers face. The reasons can be associated with the errors of care, adverse conditions of content or the physiological characteristics of the plant. In this article we will analyze the main reasons and give recommendations to prevent this problem.
The main reasons for the drying of orchid buds
1. Sharp temperature drops
- Reason: Orchids are sensitive to temperature differences, especially during the formation of buds. A sharp decrease in temperature at night or cold drafts can cause stress.
- Solution:
- Support the temperature in the afternoon +18 ... +25 ° C, at night +15 ... +18 ° C.
- Avoid drafts and proximity to heating devices.
2. Lack of lighting
- Reason: Orchids need a bright, but scattered light. The lack of light leads to the weakening of the plant, which is why the buds dry out.
- Solution:
- Place the orchid on the eastern or western window.
- In winter, use phytolamps to extend daylight hours up to 12-14 hours.
3. Incorrect watering
- Reason: Excessive watering causes rotting of the roots, and the disadvantage - drying out the substrate. Both cases lead to drying buds.
- Solution:
- Water the orchid when the substrate dries completely, but do not allow the drying of the roots.
- Use the immersion method for 10-15 minutes, allowing the water to completely drain.
4. Low air humidity
- Reason: dry air leads to dehydration of the plant and drying out the buds. Orchids are sensitive to humidity below 50%.
- Solution:
- Support humidity at 60–80%.
- Use a humidifier of air, a pallet with wet expanded clay or regularly spray the leaves with warm water (not buds!).
5. Transfer or change of conditions
- Reason: the movement of an orchid, its transplant or a sharp change of space cause stress and discharge of buds.
- Solution:
- Move the orchid only as a last resort.
- Let the plant adapt within 1-2 weeks after purchase.
6. Nutrient deficiency
- Reason: The lack of micro- and macroelements weakens the plant, and an excess of fertilizer causes burns of the roots.
- Solution:
- Feed the orchid fertilizer with the formula NPK 10:20:20 times every 2-3 weeks during the period of active growth and flowering.
- Use only special fertilizers for orchids in a half concentration.
7. Pests and diseases
- Reason: pests, such as spider mites, thrips or powdery marthes, as well as fungal infections can affect buds, causing their drying.
- Solution:
- Inspect the plant for pests.
- Treat with insecticides or fungicides when the lesions are detected.
How to save an orchid if the buds have already dried up?
Cut the dried buds:
- Gently remove the dried buds with sterile scissors or a secateur to prevent the spread of infection.
Check the roots:
- Take the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots are green or silver, elastic. Cut all the rotten parts and treat the sections with chopped coal or cinnamon.
Update the conditions of care:
- Make sure that the plant receives sufficient lighting, proper watering and humidity.
Stimulate the plant:
- Use growth stimulants such as Epin or Circus, "to support a weakened plant.
- Apply fertilizers only after the restoration of the roots.
Prevention of drying buds
- Support stable conditions: Avoid sudden changes in temperature, drafts and movement of the plant.
- Follow the watering: water regularly, but avoid overflow.
- Control lighting: Use additional lighting in the winter.
- Provide humidity: maintain humidity at 60–80%.
- Inspect the plant regularly: monitor the condition of the leaves, roots and buds to find problems in time.
What to do if the orchid buds dry out without blooming
If the orchid buds dry out without dissolving, it is important to take the following actions to save the plant:
- Determine the cause. Inspect the plant and determine if there are signs of diseases, parasites, or changes in the conditions of content. Parasites, such as a spider mite or shield, can also cause drying of buds.
- Create comfortable conditions. Orchids love stable conditions. Make sure that the level of humidity, lighting and temperature are within the right limits. Place the orchid under scattered lighting and make sure that the temperature is stable.
- Prevention of diseases. If you notice signs of rot or infections, treat the orchid with fungicide and remove the affected areas. This will help prevent further deterioration in the condition of the plant.
Frequent errors when caring for orchids, because of which buds do not bloom
- Sharp changes in care. Orchids do not like changes. A sharp change in watering, lighting or temperature can lead to the fact that the buds will begin to dry and fall.
- Lack of light. Very often the reason that the buds do not bloom is a lack of light. Provide the orchid bright, but scattered lighting to stimulate it to flowering.
- Excess fertilizers. Too many fertilizers can cause a chemical burn of roots and, as a result, drying out buds. Use fertilizers only in the recommended dosages and strictly according to the schedule.
Conclusion
Orchid buds that do not bloom can become a real disappointment for any flower grower. However, understanding the main reasons for this problem and taking the necessary measures, you can help your plant bloom again. Stable conditions of detention, proper watering, humidification of air and lack of sharp changes are the main components of successful care of orchids.
Remember that orchids are plants that require attention and patience. Create optimal conditions for them, and they will thank you with their beautiful colors, which will delight the eye for a long time.