What Factors Stop the Butterfly Orchid From Blooming?

Orchid Has Already Bloomed

• Phalaenopsis orchids sometimes bloom twice on the same stem in a single growing season, especially with the right pruning technique. If, after the first blooms drop, the stem is trimmed back to just above a previous flower node, the plant will produce a second set of blossoms. However, failing to prune the plant after it drops its first blossoms will stop the butterfly orchid from putting out its second wave.

Environmental Problems

• Phalaenopsis orchids require humidity of 40 to 60 percent. Air that is too dry damages the orchid, and excess humidity causes problems with fungi that lead to a lack of blossoms. Butterfly orchids will not bloom if the temperatures at night are too high; the night temperature should be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than daytime temperatures. A lack of water or fertilizer also contributes to a failure to blossom. Keep the orchid out of direct sunlight, which can reduce its ability to bloom.

Pest Problems on Orchids

• Butterfly orchids sometimes attract mealybugs and scale insects. Scale insects feed on the leaves of the orchid and leave behind a sticky substance that provides a habitat for the fungus sooty mold, which can cover an entire plant. The combination of scale insects and sooty mold has the potential to stop orchids from blooming. Mealybugs are another pest that feed on the leaves of the moth orchid, weakening it and making it less likely to blossom.

Diseases of Butterfly Orchids

• Phalaenopsis orchids are susceptible to a fungal disease that causes root rot. Symptoms of disease include discolored or stunted leaves, discoloration on the stem, a failure to blossom, weak growth and dieback. Serious infections may kill the orchid completely if left untreated. Root rot requires replacing the planter and soil and treating the orchid with a fungicide to keep the disease from returning and spreading.