Help!

[TXorchidgirl]

Hello,

My Dend is finished flowering. Can you advise as to whether the spike should be cut back to the base of the plant, or cut off at one of the nodes.

Also, in addition to the humidity trays is there another method by which I can raise the humidity for my orchids? I'm growing them indoors and now with the A/C running, I feel the humidity level is greatly reduced.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

[Dorothy]

I moved your thread to the Beginner's Discussion as you have already given us an Introduction
I can't give you advise on Dendros as I don't grow them.
There are small room humidifiers that can help ..
I am sure others will be posting to give your more information and suggestions
Check out the 'penguin' (humidifier) in this thread - http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-my-setup.html

[josterha]

Hi,

I'm not experienced with dendrobia per se, but you can use a room humidifier as suggested by Dorothy. It is especially helpful if you can somehow drape plastic over the growing area and place the humidifier inside it (if possible - depending on the size of your plants). I have a small growing table that I can easily place a painter's plastic dropcloth over to "seal in" the humidity even while the AC is running. I only have shorter phals and paphs, though. Just an idea.

John

[TXorchidgirl]

Josterha,

That's a great idea! I will look into a room humidifer and see if it's something I can make work in my growing area. Thanks again!

[John D.]

Wait until the spike turns brown and drys. The plant may pull some energy back from it until then. Then cut it off about 1/2 inch from where it originated on the cane.

[Chubidubi]

I agree with John . I always let the spikes dry on the plants then cut back about 1/2 in. from the cane.