Dendrobium winter care. Help!

[JerseyGirlBecky]

I have two Dendrobium that were given to me. My problem is I do not know what kind they are. It seems different kinds have different needs in the winter.
Do I water lightly or not at all?
Becky

[CTB]

Do you have a picture, so we can see what kind you have? Can you describe them, where did you get them.? Need more information to help.

[dgenovese1]

Hi Becky,

I'd be happy to help too, but like Carol I need some additional information to be specific.

As a general rule, most dendrobiums do need to have their watering diminished during the cooler months; however some need complete abstinence while others just need less water, and a few no change. I look forward to additional information or photos.

[JerseyGirlBecky]

I took some pictures and am going to my daughters. She will post them for me.
The one was given to me. The lady said she got it at the Phila. flower show. Maybe a hybrid? The other is a poor pitiful one leaf left thing. Not even sure what it is. But the one leaf looks the same as the bigger one. when I got it it was all dead with no roots. Got one tiny piece to live and put out new roots, so it now has one leaf.

[adnelg775]

Posting this for my Mom (JerseyGirlBecky), these are the pics of her Dendrobium..



Here is a close up of the larger one



And here is a pic of her entire collection of phals

[Izzie]

Can't help with Den care, but good gracious look at those phal pots!!!
The plants look very healthy- but wow, they must have some massive root systems to fill those two big pots. How long have those two big ones been in those pots? (in the second row) I'd rot the roots in pots that big if they were mine.
Look pretty happy though, so you must be doing something right!

[Royal]

Dends will appreciate a little more light than Phals. They can handle high light if accustomed slowly. A winter rest is usually called for to initiate blooms in certain varieties, but it's not always necessary to grow a healthy plant or nurse one back to health.

If they were mine, I would probably ease up on the fertilizer and watering as cooler temps and shorter days would slow growth down a little. I would focus on growing good roots and leaves for now. Once they've bounced back, then you can worry about triggering blooms.

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Yes, the phals are going to be repotted. And they do have massive roots. I am going to have to trim the roots to get them in smaller pots. hate to do it, but it is for the best, I am sure.

[Call_Me_Bob]

welcome to the forum!

i wouldnt trim the roots, a good root is a good root. i would get a pot to match the root size.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by help

welcome to the forum!

i wouldnt trim the roots, a good root is a good root. i would get a pot to match the root size.

I agree.