What kind of Orchid

[SleepSmiles]

I got this orchid about 2 years ago from my mother in law. Does anybody know what it is? It has been dropping leaves recently as you can see in the pic. Also, I think it needs replanting, it just seems so dry. I would repot into a clear pot so I can see when it needs watered. What do you think? What kind of orchid? Is this bark too big for the delicate roots? Is the pot too big? Should I repot? It has not bloomed since I've had it. Any tips are appreciated.

Thanks

[Optimist]

Dendrobium, maybe. They like a lot more moisture, I believe. The pot seems too large too. The canes seem long and thin and somewhat wrinkled.

[My Green Pets]

Id say the first thing to try would just be more water, like a good drenching in the shower or in a bucket once a week. It looks awfully dry.

Also, all those lines and spots on the leaves could be some kind of disease or pest. Could you post some photos focusing more on those? The undersides of the leaves as well.

[Fairorchids]

It looks like a Dendrobium Phalaenopsis hybrid. They like to be rootbound, so typically a 3.1/2" or 4" pot is adequate.

Markings on leaves are of concern.

[SleepSmiles]

Added close up pic of leaves and underside. I always figured the marks were burn marks from too much direct sun. I've never noticed any bugs on them before.

I re-potted this when I got it 2 years ago. Is it safe to re-pot now? What kind of mix? It has never bloomed for me either.

THanks

[sthh]

Originally Posted by SleepSmiles

Added close up pic of leaves and underside. I always figured the marks were burn marks from too much direct sun. I've never noticed any bugs on them before.

I re-potted this when I got it 2 years ago. Is it safe to re-pot now? What kind of mix? It has never bloomed for me either.

THanks

Those marks don't really look like sun burn. They look more like attacks from fungus or bacteria, or even chemical burns. Try not to get water on those orchids leaves

The leaves and stem do look wrinkled. Check for viable roots. A very small pot is better for this dendrobium, if you are going to repot it.

[SleepSmiles]

Another update. Once I started watering this every 3 to 4 days it has really exploded with growth (at least to me). A new cane with lots of leaves and very plump and healthy. It is finally doing great.

The new growth hasn't been attacked yet by the fungus, I am hoping if I can keep it healthy enough it won't get the fungus on this stalk. Does it work like that? Or should I just expect this cane to get infected with time?

Thanks for your input, it means a lot.

PS. How do I make the pics stay right side up?

[silken]

That looks a lot better now. A much happier plant. If you keep the leaves dry and the plant is healthy, chances are that these leaves will remain free of spots. To me it looks like it could be a nobile Dendrobium in which case the leaves can get old and spotted and then they fall off. It is normal. But yours looked unhappy before.

Unfortunately there are so many Dens and hybrids that until it blooms, it is hard to say for sure which kind it is. Nobile type need a cool dryer winter with no fertilizer from end of summer until you see bloom nubs on the cane, around Feb. You could try doing that since it hasn't bloomed for you in what I assume are warmer temps. They need somewhat cooler temps, like near a chilly window. Also very little water, but enough to keep the canes from shrivelling. And absolutely no plant food in this time. This encourages them to bloom.

[My Green Pets]

Looks much, much better! Congratulations!