Dendrobium

by Gwen
(St. Pete FL)

Repot?

Not a best! Need help! This plant is putting out roots on the stems, and I'm wondering if I should cut them off and put them in new pots. I'm a novice and the orchid is self sustaining and does it's own thing, ie grows and lives in spite of me! But it is trying so hard, I need to help it. It hasn't bloomed since I got it while blooming--2-3 years ago.

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Oct 19, 2013
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Thanks again
by: Gwen

Very helpful advice! Sink sprayer is a great idea.

Oct 19, 2013
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Cable's Reply
by: Cable Thompson

"Air plants" isn't really the best term; most tropical orchids do not grow in soil, but they still get regular rainfall; some Dendrobiums come from places that have a monsoon season, others it rains regularly year-round (think rainforest) -- and for most it's quite humid. Being up on a tree they'll dry out fairly quickly after each time it rains, but they don't stay dry for too long a period (except, for some, for a while after they finish flowering.) In pots, you want them to be a little moist but not wet most of the time. When the plant is actively growing, it's best to water just before it dries out; you can water a bit less the rest of the time. Also, it's a good idea to mist the roots of those keikis regularly; they'll appreciate it. (If you water the plant at the kitchen sink, you can also use the sprayer there to give them a good soak at the same time.)

Oct 19, 2013
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>Cable
by: Gwen

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I have just moved this orchid to a location where it gets a lot more light. (I'm letting it adjust gradually.) I am going to leave it attached also, and adjust the watering. Normally I think I water them too much, because they are air plants, right? Get most of their nutrients from the air?

Oct 19, 2013
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Cable's Reply
by: Cable Thompson

These growths are called keikis, and yes you can cut them off and pot them up on their own; or you can leave them attached if you prefer (they'll mature a little faster if left attached.)

Your Dendrobium might need more light; how bright is the spot where you grow it? If it won't bloom for you, I would try gradually acclimating it to as much light as it can stand without getting sunburn.

If that doesn't seem to solve the problem, you could try increasing the watering a little; sometimes plants that are slightly underwatered will sulk like this.

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