Dendrobium newbie - basic care help needed - Orchid Board

Lavendula · #1 10-05-2008, 10:27 PM

Hi there!

I got my very first dend yesterday as a gift and I tried most of the day and evening to do research, but I ended up quite confused (pretty sure I killed a few brain cells too). I was planning on sticking with phals until I get the hang of orchids, but I can't deny this lovely little flower... but it all reads so complicated! I am not prepared at all - the only thing I learned is that it likes little pots/constrained roots lol. So instead of me making mistakes and fumbling about and not having a clue, I thought I would ask the experts! Any info, tips, suggestions will help!

What kind of dendrobium is it? How do I take care of it? Please help me!

pics:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j8...0_0938crop.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j8...0_0939crop.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j8...0_0940crop.jpg

info: I have an eastern facing window where I can provide direct or indirect sunlight - temp., humidity and air circulation can be changed as needed. I have a western facing window that gets a lot of hot afternoon sun, this room is always warm and humid as it's closest to the large fish tank, and i can't do much about that, but I can diffuse the light if needed, and the temp does drop a bit at night.

My phals are in the room with the east facing window...
I would very much like to be able to keep my orchids all in one spot though, so if I can tweak the conditions a bit to make both types happy lemme know. Thanks in advance!

kiki-do · #2 10-05-2008, 10:50 PM

I have about 5 dendrobiums, and I can't say I blame you for being confused. They like to be rootbound, and basically like being ignored. When I fuss over them, they start to look bad. When I ignor them, they perk up.
Keep it rootbound and only water it when it is bone dry. Don't make eye contact with it....just kidding.

They like lots of light. Many need a winter rest, (usually from Halloween to Feb) but I don't know what to tell you where it's blooming now. Mine are also. I don't rest mine like some do, and it still manages to survive. What can I say, they survive despite us. They are very beautiful and hardy plants. I don't overly fertilize them either. I think I read that they are a little sensitive to fertilizer, but not sure if I read it or dreamed it.

Lavendula · #3 10-05-2008, 10:52 PM

lol loner plants, eh? I can handle that... but I sooooo want to fuss over it lol. It's just so pretty

frostedeyes · #4 10-05-2008, 11:00 PM

your dendro looks alright with me! i couldnt agree more! the more uve got the itch the more brain cells ull kill! hahaha! actually dendro is an easy to maintain. just make sure they get enough morning sun and make sure u water them as soon as u wake up so they'll be dry by night. Regarding on plant food i switch these root hormone and 20-20-20 fertilize them weakly. What medium do you use. For me i like using charcoal. I think its the best medium for dendro, i failed using coconut husk so i switch to charcoal and they are growing pretty well. just make sure they are secure and tight.

Lavendula · #5 10-06-2008, 01:01 PM

I repotted my phal last night, and I popped my dend out of it's plastic pot to see how it's doing and I think it needs to be repotted as well. It looks like it's potted in mostly sphagnum moss and husks, but the sphagnum is pretty much unrecognizable it's so broken down. I have a tendency to overwater, so I think I will go pick up some charcoal instead of replacing the sphag.

also, when I was pulling it out of its pot a little plastic tag fell out that says new burana jade - would that be the type of dend it is, or just a name given to it by the big store or whatever?

Swamper · #6 10-06-2008, 01:46 PM

I think the new was given by the seller or grower but the burana jade is its name...Dendrobium Burana Jade.
I have all mine outside, some on the east side of the house some on the west. One even got whacked by the weedeater the other day and it's doing great again. They are hardy for sure.

frostedeyes · #7 10-07-2008, 10:13 AM

yeah i was wondering theres this orchid grower he tells me dat he add fungicide and peter's 20-20-20 formula on his potion. he's actually an expert coz he really sells pretty good stuffs! some were even collector's. just wanna ask if any of you guys use this kind of formula. another one is it safe to use fungicide? my idea was... adding fungicide will harm my orchids? true or not? thanks!
* you can do your own mix... if ever put the charcoal directly on your pot. and add some woodchips or coconut husk maybe 30%. it will also help your orchid absorb some of the nutrients. enjoy!

Swamper · #8 10-07-2008, 10:23 AM

Ive geard some growers in Homestead do add fungicide so apparantly it's not harmful.

frostedeyes · #9 10-07-2008, 10:32 AM

do u use fungicide in your orchids? how often. thanks

Swamper · #10 10-07-2008, 10:48 AM

I use it when I see a lot of rain specially rainy nights as a precaution since till now I haven't had any need.
Pesticide is a different story which I do use regularly once a week.