Could this be frost bite on my Phal. type Dendrobium?? - Orchid Board

Nic100 · #1 01-05-2010, 02:43 PM

Hi everyone,

I came home from 5 days away at Christmas to find the newest 2 leaves on my Dendrobium have died. I had thoughtlessly left it on the windowsill in the kitchen over Christmas during a real cold snap, where the temps got down to below zero (celcius) outdoors, and probably not a lot more indoors overnight.

I'm assuming it's the cold - but I'd value any opinions!

I'm gutted because it was doing so well, and I was SO looking forward to it blooming later in the year!

Advanced thanks!

Nicky

Blueszz · #2 01-05-2010, 09:08 PM

Nicky, it could be frost bite but maybe water came in the crown? Maybe from condensation? The plant looks still very healthy to me, except for that center leaf...

Nicole

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 01-05-2010, 10:26 PM

Plant still good. No worries.

Cane with damaged leaves will not get any taller, that's all.

Nic100 · #4 01-06-2010, 04:20 AM

Thanks guys, you're right the rest of the plant still looks good.
Am I right that it won't bloom from this cane though?

Blueszz · #5 01-06-2010, 04:26 AM

If this is a Dendrobiom that grows spikes from the tip of the cane it might not bloom. I think that it depends on how much damage is done. With luck only the newest leaf suffered damage. Fingers crossed...

Nic100 · #6 01-06-2010, 04:58 AM

Fingers, toes, eyelashes...

Thanks Nicole

Blueszz · #7 01-06-2010, 06:07 AM

Nick, if the crown of the cane still is soft, you might want to pour some cinnamon on it after you removed the soft part... it helps to dry and mild antiseptic. I never noticed healthy tissue gets affected by cinnamon. Good luck with your Den. :-) Would be nice to hear how she develops.

Nicole

Nic100 · #8 01-06-2010, 10:01 AM

Oh, I hadn't thought if that! I'll do that! I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

shadytrake · #9 01-06-2010, 04:46 PM

Just a FYI, most of my research on Den Phal Hybrid types tend to run in the intermediate temp care which means they don't need the cool/dry winter rest period.

I tend to keep mine in the warmer part of the greenhouse during the winter for this reason. Both of mine are spiking and blooming now. I tend to water them with tepid (heated) water too. Our tap in the winter...non-insulated pipes...that water comes out really cold. bbrrrrr....

Warmer for me = 67 day - 57 night depending on the outside temps.

Nic100 · #10 01-06-2010, 05:27 PM

Thanks Melissa. Unfortunately I have limited options when it comes to warmth, and this cold winter we are having isn't helping. But there are warmer spots than the kitchen windowsill, so the Dens have been relocated, and are enjoying the slightly milder climate of the guest room. Any guests I have this winter had better like orchids!