Bud drop

What it looks like

The plant sets buds, but they yellow and drop before opening.

Why it happened

A change of conditions while budding — moving the plant, a draught, temperature swings, or erratic watering.

What to do

1. Leave the plant where it is and do not move it until flowering ends. 2. Remove draughts — close the nearby window, move it away from a door. 3. Keep a steady watering rhythm. 4. Dropped buds will not return, but the next flush is usually fine.

How to prevent it

Do not move a plant that is flowering. Relocation is the most common cause.

Most common on these species

• Flamingo flower
• Moth orchid
• Weeping fig
• Christmas cactus
• Poinsettia
• Gardenia
• Chinese hibiscus
• Madagascar jasmine
• Fuchsia
• Camellia
• Chilli pepper
• Croton
• Ming aralia
• Dendrobium orchid
• Firecracker flower