Help with Dendrobium kingianum

[Ristof]

I brought one in March this year that was in a 14cm pot

I put it in the bathroom because I had heard that it like the humid conditions until I read an artical on here just a minute ago about them likeing the cold. It has now been moved into the kitchen which maybe too warm for it

My problem I have is it has lost all it's leaves and the stems are feeling soft. they still look green though

What can I do to it to start getting the leaves to grow back.

I live in Australia and the climate here is cold,
If anyone could give me a care sheet from what they have done to get these little guys looking great that would be fantastic.

Thanks

[Dorothy]

We have a care sheet here for Dendrobium -
http://www.orchidboard.com/Dendrobiu...ure-Care-Sheet
I don't have this plant so I can't give you any first hand advice - I am sure there is someone here that has one and can give you some tips

[Djarum Black]

Here is a really great link for the care of that particular orchid. I used this same site as a refrence for mine and it likes it.
New Hampshire Orchid Society - Dendrobium kingianum

[Ristof]

Thanks for the info but how do I get it to start growing it's leaves

[Djarum Black]

I can't really tell without a picture but have you checked below the surface of the orchid? Many times leaf loss might have to do with root problems. Check the roots and make sure you have not overwatered. They might all be rotten in which case would explain why the orchid is going downhill.
Check to see how the roots are doing and see if maybe you need to repot or try to keep it drier.

[philoserenus]

i agree. check the roots first. kingianum are lithophytes meaning they literally grow on rocks and they are very easy to grow. spring is there for u guys and if the roots are ok, then new growths will grow out from the old leafless ones. new roots will grow crazily from new growths

if the roots are gone, just take them out of the old media, trim off the old roots (and the mushy canes too) with a pair of sterilized scissors. afterwards u can repot into a new medium (i just use the largest chunks of bark i can find and fit into pot) or just tie it onto something rough and put it somewhere bright and warm, but out of the sun until the new growths come. then u can literally stick it outside for the summer and bring it back in later or just keep it inside.

i keep mine in full sun and it seems to love it. the large pieces of medium leaves lots of spaces so it dries quickly and i can water more often to give it wat it needs considering itz in full sun.

just my 2-cent. have a little think about it ^^ good luck and welcome

[Buds!]

Hi Ristof,
Welcome to the board!
Den. kingianum should be kept outside, they are really tough.
Where are you?
In WA I keep my dens in partial shade in summer and out in the open in winter (unless it rains for more than a week!)
Here is a care sheet from Aust. Orchid Nursery.
Australian Orchid Nursery - Dendrobiums
Down load the 'Dendrobium Fact sheet'

[Ristof]

Thanks you all so much again - your info is priceless

I will pull it out of it pot tonight and grab some bark that I have in my garden and repot it.

I have put it out today at lunchtime so I will leave it out there.

I live in south west vic where at the moment it is bucketing down.
Where would be the best place to put it, am I best to put it out in the weather - sun, rain, wind. What sould I put it in and what should I avoid

Thanks

[smartie2000]

...I believe the cooler temps are only for seasonal change to initate buds

[Ristof]

Well it gets cold here doing winter so I don't think that would be a problem but maybe the frosts will be. Just had winter so now every season before it comes back around.
Thanks for that info