Do I need to repot this Dendobrium??

[Tukatuka]

Hi,

I have had this Dendobrium for about 1.5 months. It is sitting in charcoal in a clay pot with holes and it's my first orchid ever!

I may have overwatered it (twice a day in Indonesia), and now I water it less every two days, judging by weight of the pot + plant.

But I have noticed that the root base under the stem was covered by this moist black layer. So I gently scraped that layer and it peeled off to expose some roots that feel soggy but not breaking up yet. Is this root rot?

The plant itself seems fine to me, leaves are nice and firm to touch. But I have not seen the leaves grow at all. In fact the top most part of the leaves are still 'cupped', not opening. The blooms are starting to wither slowly.

Do I need to repot this Den? Why does it seem to be stagnant?

Thank you

[WhiteRabbit]

Well, it's only been lesd than two months that you have had it ...

Since it seems that it is about done blooming, check the roots in the pot.

[Tukatuka]

Hi Sonya,
Thank you for your reply. I have a noob question. How do I check the root without breakingbe pot considering it is in a clay pot with charcoal and the roots have grown around the pot and some of the charcoal are attached to the root?

Thank you

[WhiteRabbit]

You can soak it well, and use a blunt knife to help dislodge roots from the pot. Roots do get damaged during repotting, which is why the ideal time to repot is when there is active root growth, and/or new growth on the plant. And sometimes, pots do get sacrificed (both clay and plastic).

[Tukatuka]

Ok, so once it is done blooming I'll check the roots and get back to you for advice. I have one more question for now. Generally do we need to repot Dens when we have a few aerial roots and some roots are wrapping itself around the claypot's rim?

Thank you


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[james mickelso]

Orchids are mostly epiphytes. They grow on trees, tree limbs, rocks, and even the side sof houses. They grow new stems/pbulbs and then flower. Some grow and then go dormant only to flower after resting like some dendrobiums. Unless it is growing new pbulbs/stems and or flowers, it doesn't need a lot of water. Wait until it is growing new pbulbs/stems and then start watering more often. It is very humid where you live and so it doesn't need to be watered a lot anyway. Get a systemic fungicide and spray the plant for any fungus/molds that may have started to grow (the black substance). I would not repot this. It has plenty of room and lots of air flow through the charcoal. Wait until it starts growing and then slowly increase the water to it.

[Tukatuka]

Thanks James. I understand now that orchids grow slowly, but I have had this one for about 2 months now and apart from the blooms drying up, nothing seems to have happened, stems not getting taller. Instead if anything the leaves seem to be less dark green and has a slight yellow tinge. Is this normal?

Also about getting it to rebloom i read I need to ensure that night temperature is lower. But in Indonesia the day and night temperature is not that different. Do I need to put them in an air conditioned room to provide a night time temperture change?

Thank you


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[james mickelso]

Dendrobiums are the most widely distributed orchids on earth. They range from India through China down to SE Aisa and Australia. It is probably going into dormancy. Just water it less as there is not much activity to utilize the water in the media. Just be patient.