Dendrobium nobile care in winter while blooming

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by Iray

Oh I didn't know that
I have a fertiliser, it's 5-5-5 but I've noticed it has urea and read on the net that is not reccomended..so I stopped using it. Is it really bad?

Years ago, I used fertilizers with urea in it.
I did not see any ill effect.

I now use non-urea with added micro elements.
I do not see any difference.

You can use it and if you don't see anything wrong with your plant, then it is fine. but make sure it has trace elements other than just N P K. In the long run, it would matter. You are not likely to see anything bad happening anything time soon.

[Iray]

Thanks! Good to know I didn't waste money on it!!

[Iray]

It is currently potted in bark, was thinking to put a layer of sphagon top...good idea? Or recipe for disaster?

[Iray]

*sphagnum

[NYCorchidman]

I don't think it's necessary.
I do that with paphs, but I don't do that with other epiphytes.

A very thin layer of sphagnum moss over the top roots won't harm them as they will simply dry out fast, but if you blanket those roots with thick layer of moss that stays too moist too long, then problem can happen.
So I'd say leave it as it is.

I had cattleyas and dendrobiums with rotted dormant eyes when covered with something. so leave them exposed.

[Iray]

ok thanks. i think you can do that with zygos and miltoniopsis right?

[NYCorchidman]

I believe so.
I normally just pot them up so that the base of the plant where the roots and leaves meet is just covered or slightly above that line.

I do not cover any exposed roots of cattleyas, dendrobiums, phalaenopsis,,,,well, basically all other than paphiopedilums, and so far all is well.

For epiphytes, I think it's best to just leave them exposed and mist daily if you are concerned. but they are used to occasional and repeated dry as that's how they are adapted to live.
That like to get wet and dry, wet and dry, but constantly covered with something wet is not good.
Sometimes I'm just surprised they are alive and do so well with most of their roots stuck in the pot.

[Iray]

Cool thanks!

Yea orchids are so odd, that's what makes them so fascinating and intriguing!