I need help with my new Dendrobium

[genocyber]

This past weekend I bought a dendrobium orchid in an orchid show. The orchid is blooming, and it is just beautiful. The problem that I have is watering. The plant comes in a plastic pot with tree bark. I watered my orchid on Monday using a water can and letting the water to run. Today when I checked my orchid in the morning, the bark was dry again and the pseudo bulbs are getting some wrinkles. Should I dip the pot in water for a couple of minutes to make sure that the bark is getting really wet and not only wet on the surface? I would like to hear your comments.

Thanks

Hector

[WhiteRabbit]

I use bamboo kabob skewers in my orchids to judge how moist or not the media is. You can also use a freshly sharpened pencil. Gently twist the sharp end into the media, try to go down about half way into the pot. Remove the pencil. The fresh would will darken if there's moisture.

Do you know what type of Den it is? Or can you post a pic? While some Dens like to be quite dry over winter, this time of year most will be growing and not wanting to be too dry. Some like to be evenly moist all the time.

[NYCorchidman]

Bark lets water right through it. Soak for a few minutes will help. or even better, repot it into something more moisture retentive unless you're going to water it almost daily as the weather warmer, it'll only get worse.

Dendrobium hybrids (I'm talking about the "phal" types) from Hawaii often comes in lava rocks. They do not hold water and I have to water them almost daily during the summer. I did get lazy at times and canes developed wrinkles. Soaking for a few minutes everytime you water the plant will perk it up again unless the wrinkles have been set for quite some time, in your case it is not, so try!

wish you the best!

[genocyber]

First, I would like to thanks for your response's guys, and sorry that I did not answer earlier, but I was very busy. Here are some pics of the orchid, I use the skewer method in my other orchids to see if they need water. However, with this one, because it has only bark it is hard to see if they need water. According to the label, this is a Dendrobuim Green Lantern Orchid.

Hector

[silken]

Very nice! I would give the pot a good soak when you water it. I also use skewers and leave them in the pot all the time. So when I pull it out, it will be the same as the bark pieces. If it is wet, the bark will be as well.

I don't think it needs re-potting unless you really can't water it several times a week. New bark doesn't hold much water, but after it has aged a while it is more retentive. Yours doesn't look brand new. If the bark is breaking down, then I would re-pot when its done blooming.

Here is what OrchidWiz has to say about watering and media for this orchid:

50%-60% humidity. Keep moist in the Spring-Summer, when plant is in active growth. Grow in a pot with porous, free-draining media. The pot should be small for plant size. Fertilize weekly, weakly (one quarter to half the normal dose). Reduce water/feeding during the cooler months. Common media: fir bark, coconut chunks.

[genocyber]

Thanks for your response Silken, I am not that familiar with these orchids, and I don't want to mess them up. I will follow your advice about the skewer and keep it inside the bark, so I can keep checking the humidity.

Hector.

[Bud]

what is your grow zone?
I live in a Manhattan apartment and my central air conditioning dries all my plants....thats why I invested in electric humidifier with small oscillating fans.
Aside from growing Dendrobiums; I also grow Vandas and Mokaras....these are warm moisture seeking plants and I just found watering regimen for all of them thru trial and error....
trust your instincts and by the way you are describing what youre doing...I am sure you will find the correct watering regimen that works for both of you

[gardengirl13]

Depends on how much you want to care for it like others have said. I mix the bark mix I have with moss to help retain moisture. My dendrobium seems to dry out rather quickly compared to some of the other plants so I do have to keep an eye on her. I do spray the top a bit and let it drip through. When i water, in winter, I do it once a week and let them sit under the tap for a few mintues. You'll get it with trial and error. Hold the pot up see how light it is? Now water it heavily until it's heavier. Then every couple days pick up the plant and see the weight. Not knowing this exact orchid but seeing the info above you'll want to keep it pretty moist, not wet, from now through summer. I tend to keep everyone slightly drier but never bone dry in winter. Like bud said, you'll get to know your plant and see what it needs. Just pay attention though as over or under-watering can do harm.

[Stray59]

I want to add a few cents here -
First, you have a beautiful orchid - really nice choice! Love the coloring!
Second; As mentioned in other posts, once you have watered it thoroughly, lift it and feel the weight. When you have a good idea of what it feels like drenched, then let it dry a few days and feel the weight. It will be noticeably lighter. A few days later, when it is time to water again, feel the "dry" weight and then you will start to get the "feel" for the wet vs. dry conditions. Several on this site use this method and it is tried and true.
Third - As also mentioned, if it is in bark, the bark is hard to get to soak up water, so I think a good soaking in a small bucket will do wonders to thoroughly saturate the bark and keep from having to question whether it is getting wet enough. One thing about bark, especially if it is staying damp - it does tend to form mold bad, so you want to watch this, dowsing it in fungicide if needed.
BTW - is it fragrant? If so it goes directly on my "gotta have" list.
Just some thoughts, but again, I wanted to say that you chose a really nice Dend. - Congrats on having a good eye!
Steve