Hardcane Dendrobiums - Page 2 - Orchid Board

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #11 04-10-2008, 01:37 PM

I currently grow Dendrobium ceraula and the Dendrobium relatives Diplocaulobium regale, Epigeneum sanseiense, and Trichosotia pulvinata indoors because they're all either intermediate growing or intermediate to warm growing.

There's usually a 10 degree F drop between day and night. I haven't bloomed any of them yet. I got them not too long ago. So far the Diplocaulobium regale seedlings look like they're growing nice. I grow them in tiny plastic 1 inch pots in sphagnum moss. I look for the roots to dry out completely before watering.

katierkincaid · #12 04-10-2008, 02:16 PM

I dont have good luck with spag moss. So far ( I have not gotten my orchidarium yet) but I have only been able to drop it 5-10 f at night. Usually 75 during the day and 69 at night. The kitchen gets colder than any place in my house, this is why I keep them in there. The moss just does not dry out fast enough I watered on sunday and its still damp. Any ideas on what I can do to dry it out faster?

quiltergal · #13 04-10-2008, 03:51 PM

Katie ditch the moss. It's warm and humid where you are and it will never dry out. I'd switch it to large coco husk or bark mix that drains freely.

Ross · #14 04-10-2008, 03:55 PM

:iagree: Most Dendros I have ever had success with want to dry between waterings. You are just asking for trouble with moss (in my opinion.) I recently aquired two moniliforme Dendrobiums that were in moss and I totally removed (carefully) the moss and replaced with orchid bark. I would prefer to see the roots go dry between waterings, much like would occur in nature.

katierkincaid · #15 04-10-2008, 04:13 PM

So do you think i should take it out of the moss and use the barks? I think your right totally. Thanks Ross, your so knowlagable.

Ross · #16 04-10-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katierkincaid

So do you think i should take it out of the moss and use the barks? I think your right totally. Thanks Ross, your so knowlagable.

I won't say what you should do. If the plant(s) were mine, I would move to bark. I like fir bark as a medium, it works for me, but some don't like it. It has it's draw-backs. You have to soak it overnight to get it started holding moisture. I don't do this as I feel the medium is simply a support mechanism and that's how I treat it. Bark is easy for me to deal with dry. I water my plants copiously so I like them to not hold water between waterings. Dendros tend to have rather fine roots (in the orchid world) so my potted Dendros use fine fir bark. Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies I never have to worry about the roots getting the air they need. I am not trying to sway you one way or the other, but be sure to get the plants out of moss. Another option when you decide on a tank is to mount the plants on a stick, or cork, etc. Leave the roots bare. Add a misting system and they'll be happy, happy.