Dendrobium losing leaves :(

[Shiffdaddy]

I have this dendrobium that i bought at a school function. It has started losing all its leaves and i had not moved it at all. Its worrying me because it is a phalaenopsis type and those arent supposed to lose its leaves right? Well i went into my schools nursery and all of theirs are also losing their leaves and they are in a greenhouse.. and have not moved at all. The name is called Dendrobium Bobby Messina x Jiad Gold.

Should i worry?

Another thing to add is the new canes seem to be mushy at the tips and when i cut the stalk there is a brown center in the middle of the cane. Anything i can do about that?

Ben

[silken]

I don't know much about this but it does have a hybrid name - Den. Maritere Ramirez. It is a real warm grower but watering should be somewhat reduced during winter when it isn't growing much. I just got that from OrchidWiz. Is it being kept too wet? I would be tempted to cut further back on the cane and see if there is any good green live cane. If so maybe cut them down to that in case rot is spreading. Have you checked the roots? Hope it survives.

[Leafmite]

A phal-den prefers to be kept on the dry side. These are perfect for large lava rock and net pots as this allows good airflow and doesn't require repotting (drop into larger pot instead). They like good light but if you have really cold temps, don't put next to the window (too cold). The trick to repotting these is to stake the den very securely in the pot afterwards so there is absolutely no movement (I think this is one of the reasons people often put them in tiny pots, that and their desire to dry quickly). As for change, they do adjust and recover. Even a rootless, leafless cane will send out new growth so your goal should be to stop the rot quickly and arrange that the dendrobium is given the conditions it needs. Stake what is healthy very well and keep it on the dry side. Once established in the pot, these actually are easy and very rewarding. Good luck!
Leafmite

[Shiffdaddy]

Thanks for both of your responses. So here is my plan and let me know if i do anything wrong or if there is anything else i should do.

1. cut off all rotting parts + seal wounds with cinnamon.
2. During spring i'll take it out of its pot, and repot it into a hanging basket (those ones with fir bark sourounding the inside and then i'll fill it with leca and put the orchid in that. I'll stake it well with wire and make sure there is no wiggle room.

I'll keep it on the side yard where itll recieve very bright morning light and a little evening sun. Let it dry completely between watering.

Should i repot it now or should i wait for the spring when itll send out new roots and shoots?

Thanks, Ben

[Leafmite]

These very much prefer to be repotted as they begin new growth but if the roots have rotted, you might as well take care of it now and prevent further problems. If the roots are good, definitely wait until you see new growth begin. Keep it warm and dry. Alcohol can dry and disinfect the leaves and stems but is not good for roots. I think you have a good plan. Good luck,
leafmite

[Shiffdaddy]

Alrighty i did it today. Went out and bought a large hanging basket. I cut the orchid out of its pot, ALL of the roots were rotted! So i did as best i could to clean up all the roots and i potted it into pure hydroton. I secured it to the basket with wires and watered with superthrive!

Everything sound right?!

Should i now just leave it dry for a few weeks?

[Leafmite]

Keeping it dry for a few days will help deter the rot from continuing its attack. They have a strong will to live and, once healthy, are in bloom most of the year, even sending out spikes from the leafless canes. Good luck!
Leafmite

---------- Post added at 03:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:31 AM ----------

PS. If it is rootless, I'm not certain how long it should be dry. I water my phal dens every seven to ten days in the winter. If you notice shriveling of the canes, a bag put loosely over the den might help.

[Shiffdaddy]

well this den is quite large, probably 2 1/2 feet tall with 9 canes, so no bag, and it is in quite a lot of hydroton. So i'm gonna wait maybe 2 weeks, after that i'll check to see if theres any moisture at all with a skewer.