Cybidium spike is not going to fully open, those buds that don't, turn color

[78Terp]

My Cymbidium has 3 flower spikes with a 4th, just emerging from the pb. The 1st spike is done and I cut it off. The second one is the one that is having trouble. And the third spike, the spike with the double bud, has not yet started to open.

What do people think is the cause?

[Katherine]

They look healthy?

[78Terp]

The buds that are open, yes.

I don't think the orange buds are healthy. I am suspecting bugs of some sort. I am thinking of cutting off the end that is affected.

[coeruleo]

that could be from moving from a high light area to a darker space. buds can blast like that. sometimes sudden temperature changes can trigger it too in some orchids. i don't see any mealie bugs, or insect damage at all really, but who knows. i would just remove the affected buds.

[SeanHoutman]

I suspect some sort of temperature shock affecting the unopened buds. It certainly doesn't look like insect damage. It also doesn't look like ethylene damage since the opened flowers aren't affected. I want to blame the recent cold weather, maybe there is a draft?

[78Terp]

It could have had a draft.

I had been pretty aggressive during November in cooling down the house from daytime highs.

I hope temp damage is the cause and not insects of any sort.

[kspalding]

I really do not see anything to indicate insect damage. The green still on some of the buds means they may not yet be a total loss. Before you do anything (and I don't like this method often) is wait-and-see. It does seem to be temperature related but in the words of a very famous robot "need more input". If they shrivel or dry out then of course remove them but otherwise who knows.... some of the more beautiful flowers have come from natures flukes.

[Chris1140]

I'd just like to add that you should keep a plant well hydrated while it is growing a bloom spike. Too dry conditions can also blast the spike and buds.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I think it could be temperature change causing the bud blast. The plant looks great though.

cheers,
BD

[78Terp]

This must have been the temp damage. The 3rd spike has fully opened without any bad buds.