Dend Stalks and new growth - Orchid Board

tfields · #1 03-05-2007, 02:03 PM

I have had this dend for almost 18 months .

In winter it was in a east facing window ,and sprung up two new sprouts .I re potted into two .All the old leaves fell off .The new ones look good but it seams to have quit growing .Will the old stalks get new leaves .And what can I do to start it growing again . I have it in a south west facing window some what shaded. And water about every 12 to 14 days .

Ross · #2 03-05-2007, 02:11 PM

Tony, that is pretty normal. If you keep a deciduous Dendro watered over winter it keeps most of its leaves, but eventually they must fall off. The back bulbs will not get new leaves, and you must not remove them since that is where all the plant's energy is stored. I would get it to a south window or at least full morning sun and plenty of water and fertilizer. I recommend MSU blend that Ray sells and water every day this time of year with the 125ppm mix. Then back off water in fall (late october). Renew watering when new gowth starts in spring. I do this with superbum (anosmum) and it works quite well.

cb977 · #3 03-05-2007, 02:15 PM

You'd probably get keikis from the older cane...just leave it. In my opinion, it needs more water...once a week or so? I'd also put it back in the place it was growing so well. Sometimes a plant just has to find it's "happy place" and they practically grow on their own!

What Den is it, anyway?

tfields · #4 03-05-2007, 02:44 PM

Thanks for your advise I will defiantly put it to good use .It is a Dendrobium May Neal -Uraiwan .received it on my B day which is in May. I don't know much more than that, would appreciate more info.

Ross · #5 03-05-2007, 03:47 PM

I couldn't find out specifically if it is a deciduous dendrobium or not. I am PRESUMING it is (don't get upset with me if it is not) from the behavior and appearance of the pbulbs. If I am correct, then the advice I gave you is correct. I have never had great success with non-deciduous dendros, so don't count me as an expert.

By the way, have you been out to Ft Desoto in last couple weeks? I'm trying to find out if the Encyclia tampensis is in spike/bloom in the picnic area there.

cb977 · #6 03-05-2007, 03:55 PM

Hi Tony,

According to Orchidwiz, that is a named hybrid:
Den. Watthana Gold
(Den. Madame Uraiwan x Den. May Neal)

Cultivation:
50%-60% humidity. Keep moist in the Spring-Summer, when plant is in active growth. Grow in a pot with porous, free-draining media. The pot should be small for plant size. Fertilize weekly, weakly (one quarter to half the normal dose). Reduce water/feeding during the cooler months. Common media: fir bark, coconut chunks.

tfields · #7 03-05-2007, 05:15 PM

Looks like I need to invest in some coconut chunks. Ive been looking round Gulfport in a old neighborhood for some kind of wild orchids, any kind but no luck yet Ill try Ft Desoto. and thanks for the info.

Ill be sure to take my camera .

Ross · #8 03-05-2007, 06:59 PM

You actually could use Live Oak bark chunks as a substitute for fir or coconut. I have done this and it works very well. You can get this at any of the recycling centers in St. Pete. When people say weekly weakly, Ray recommends (as do I) 125ppm nitrogen. This can be done easily with MSU mix. And you can do this daily to simplify your regime.

Ross · #9 03-05-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfields

Looks like I need to invest in some coconut chunks. Ive been looking round Gulfport in a old neighborhood for some kind of wild orchids, any kind but no luck yet Ill try Ft Desoto. and thanks for the info.

Ill be sure to take my camera .

Missed this comment!? Check the picnic area across from the beach parking. The large Live Oaks are loaded with Encyclia way up in the branches. Check them all out as many don't have orchids any more.

Ross · #10 03-05-2007, 07:06 PM

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