Advice required - Dendrobrium leaves are thinning and dull

[makanmanna]

Hi,

When I purchased my dendrobrium 3 months ago, the leaves were thick and waxy, however the leaves have since thinned and appear dull. I initially noticed the thinning in leaves of the new canes, but it seems to have affected the mature canes. What is wrong with my plant?

Leaves on mature cane


Closeup shot of leaf

[SP2340]

The leaves look a little shriveled, like from lack of water.

1) How often do you water it?
2) Is it left in full sun?... and how long?

[makanmanna]

Thank you for your response!

My dend is positioned right next to a balcony window which is north facing. The balcony window and my dend only gets afternoon sun as it is blocked by an adjacent building on the right. The duration of direct sunlight exposure is 1 to 2 hours and occurs somewhere between 1 to 4pm.

My dend has not been getting direct sunlight for the past 1 month due to the sun being blocked by an adjacent building on the left during this time of the year and cloudy weather. I water my dend daily in the morning and the roots seem to be reasonably dry by night. I use charcoal for potting material, so the roots are well aired. The balcony and my dend gets less breeze this time of the year.

Other information
I live in the tropics (Singapore)
Relative Humidity range: 75-90%,
Temperature range: 26-33 Degree Celcius

I have attached a photo of the roots for your reference.

[priz_m]

m shriveled leaves usually mean under or over watering. Judging by your picture and post, I'd say you are over watering it a bit, I'm saying based on the moldy roots. I water my Dend once a week. I would let it REALLY dry out and then water less frequently.

just my 2 cents

[Swamper]

I water mine once a week also PLUS mine are getting a lot more sun then yours, although the rest of the conditions seem to be similar. When I saw your pics I thought not enough water but now I have to think too much water. I have only bought one dendro and have been given the rest (about 10), which for the most part I ignore, another reason I think yours are being over watered.

[Lagoon]

The canes themselves look like they have enough water in them. The leaves are not getting enough light judging the color, this alone will make them go down hill and shed off leaves. Put them south facing if you can.

Curious - Any drainage holes in that pot?

[makanmanna]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I'm holding off watering my dend to once a week and will observe how it responds.

To answer Lagoon's recommendation/question - Unfortunately my apartment does not have a south facing window or balcony so I will have to leave it where it is. There are 3 big holes at the bottom of the pot so drainage should not be an issue. Furthermore, the pot is suspended off the ground by a potholder on the balcony ledge.