Is this just from sun/heat?

This bud is on a large epi strictum that was burned some time ago - hence the red foliage. It blooms just fine, though and has several healthy buds ready to pop in the next week or so. I'm just curious about this bud - I've had a lot of them. They turn orange-ish, then black, and fall off. Looks like someone took a torch to them.

We have been having much hotter weather this summer than usual - instead of a few days it's turned into months in the 90's-100, high humidity, winds, etc., so I'm wondering if this is caused by the weather or is there something to worry about?

Kathleen

Likely caused by stress of some kind, and heat is a major suspect. Any period of stress will cause them to abort some buds, especially if there are bunches of bloom. If you crush them, you will also notice a distinctive spicey odor. Different than what a healthy bud smells like when crushed. I had a big plant drop a lot of buds this year. The poor thing was dry and I didn't pay attention.

Thanks, Pete. I suspect the same thing happened to mine - it's in a clay pot and I probably waited too long to water.