what should I do w/ this den/phal hybrid?

[kindrag23]

So my random pick up of a orchid is very much coming out of winter rest. 2 growths are 1 in long w what looks like nubs of new roots coming out. Nothing assured yet. Now what the heck should I do w it? It also has a growth coming from the bottom.

Should I consider this out of wimter rest or wait until it.is now longer....My den. Nobile type is not anywhere near this big growth wise as of yet....and this is my first year with guys and am as of yet clueless...

[katrina]

I don't grow them anymore but IME, phal-type dens don't need or want a Winter's rest. I kept mine bright and moist year round w/even more water during the active Summer months. (intermediate temps)

This kind might lose the occasional leaf and older canes will die off as they age but that's not usually for several years. It sounds like you nearly lost the plant for some reason.

If you have green...get it back in the light and warmth...and give it water. Dont' keep it soggy but don't let it dry out for extended periods.

[kindrag23]

Okay. This is a NOID I found at a shop. It dropped all leabes and was wrinkled. One plant had died when I got it home and inspected it. Will start watering and feeding immediately. I thought when the leaves all dropped off it went into winter rest I guess it was really just shooting off keikis. Lol. Thanks again.

[blackvine]

Originally Posted by katrina

I don't grow them anymore but IME, phal-type dens don't need or want a Winter's rest. I kept mine bright and moist year round w/even more water during the active Summer months. (intermediate temps)

I've had my den/phal since last Christmas (2012) and it has not rested at all. In fact, since I put it in CHC a few months ago, it's growing roots and shoots like CRAZY!

[kindrag23]

CHC? Sorry not clicking for some reason. This guy I got marked down extremely and was in rather bad shape as well. In fact a piece of it died and did not shoot keikis at all just dried up and went kaput. But this one has been watered and repotted mine is in lava rock.for now
Like it has been and seems to be happy w that since it has the growths.

[Polarizeme]

CHC = coconut husk chips

[nutgirl]

Be sure and anchor the plant well when you pot it. It will be putting out new roots from the base of the new canes and they don't do well if they are wobbly.

Maureen

[kindrag23]

@Nutgirl thank u. I have placed fishing line all over it hoping to keep it still this time hopefully. With the keikis growing in at odd directions i am afraid to tie it down to much.

[blackvine]

Kindrag23, a caveat: I've had success with CHC, but it really depends on your watering habits and environment. Trust me, I've been there - I wanted a really pat and dry formula for watering and medium and there really isn't any. You just have to experiment. I can tell you this, though: I grow indoors under T5s; humidity with a humidifier is about 50 - 60% in winter, higher in summer; I have two watering days, Saturday and Wednesday; Wednesday is mostly for the seedlings, Saturday for most (including seedlings), unless they feel moist for their needs. The CHC works for me under these conditions.

PS: While all my orchids are really growing nicely now that I've gotten watering and medium down pretty well, few have bloomed. I've figured out - through LOTS of talk on this site and elsewhere - it's a light issue. Just bought 2 more 4 ft. T5s to solve that!

[kindrag23]

Thank you. I have 3 plant lights and one 175 watt heat.lamp w dome up to 4 feet away on the days it is to cold to open the curtains that cover the glass sliding doors. At thia point I just want all my plants happy and healthy. I have had several plants that have spiked and then dropped due temp flucs. We have had the knarliest weather this year our snow and ice came early.

So do I feel thisnone will bloom this year pretty much do not care all I care for is getting it to be healthy and thriving again. After our freezes and frosts I place them in my greenhouse outside where they get high humidity and great southern sun w shade from the oak tree behind my Nanas house. Works great now that I got it where I need and want it lol.

I will say my catasetum under this treatment are throwing roots and growths left and right.