Help Identifying, repotting, and trimming? I think it's a Dendrobium

[jenilee]

Hi everyone!

My wonderful husband got me an orchid of the month club this year and it's WONDERFUL...problem is, they never come with a description! So could you help me identify what this is? I believe it is Dendrobium. I'm sure if it were still flowering, that would help (I promise to take a picture sooner next time)....Also, now that it's finished flowering...do I cut the spikes back? How far? Will the leaves fall off and eventually look like the "stalks" that didn't flower? What will happen next, will those "stalks" flower again or will the plant grow a whole new "stalk"...(I have no idea if they are called "stalks")....Also, would now be a good time to transition this plant over to SH?

THANKS!!!!You're all the best!!!

[Zoi2]

Your plant does appear to be a dendrobium, probably a phal type. You can cut the spikes as close as you can or just let them natually fall off. This type of den shouldn't lose leaves and new canes will grow from the base, keikies may grow from anywhere on a cane. It might be a good idea to check roots with a possible repot, but until you have new root growth it isn't time to transfer to s/h.
Joann

[jenilee]

So if the leaves don't normally fall off then what happened to those canes that appear to be older and have a flakey "skin" left on them?...How will I know if it's growing new roots currently?

THANKS!!

[Zoi2]

Older leaves will fall off, I meant the den you have will not lose all it's leaves every year. New roots will grow from new growths (new canes). You may be able to see them in your pot, it's easier to see in the clear plastic pots.
Joann

[shadytrake]

Your Den looks in good condition so you could go ahead and repot it now in s/h. I repot my Dens anytime during the year into s/h with no adverse results so far. Since this is a Phal type (probably), it will not need the winter rest for blooming.

When transferring to s/h, I would make sure to come as close to the pot size it is in now as I have discovered that my Dens bloom better in s/h when they are tight in their pots.

I find the Phal type Dens prefer more humidity and moisture so I allow a little more of a reservoir at the bottom. I also discovered last year that the s/h makes the pots a little cooler so if you are growing in a greenhouse or converted shadehouse or outside (if you are lucky), keep that in mind so you don't let the roots get cold and wet. When my converted shadehouse drops in the mid 50's, I keep my s/h a little dryer. Once the temps go up and the heaters are able to keep the temps in the 60s, then I water again.

The size pot I would pick for your Den would be a recycled 20oz soda or powerade bottle. Holes at about an 1" to 1" 1/4" up.

I use Hydroton mixed with Arcolite (available locally in bulk) which I really like. The Hydroton is round and fired, while the Arcolite is a rough pebble natural to Arkansas (as far as I know). The Hydroton allows for more air flow. The Arcolite keeps the roots nice and tight if the plant is top heavy.

I find that the Phal types like lots of light. I put mine in the same area of my SHouse with the Catts. They are super easy to grow and are reliable bloomers.

Good luck. Sorry so long.