Dendrobium nobile care in winter while blooming

[voyager]

Quite often cool-dry-rest type Dendrobiums, especially the hybrids, get confused as to exactly what the season really is. If it is in bloom right now it is not winter as far as it is concerned.
It is spring or early summer.
After it finally drops it's blossoms, it will go into its summer- autumn mode, growing and finishing its new growths.
When the new growths finish growing and the PB tips fill out, it is time for its winter to begin, usually a 2 to 3 month period. Most Den. hybrids do not require a "hard" sere winter.
They simply need their water cut back just enough to cause at least some of the leaves to shrivel and dry up.
Cooler night temperatures also help.
Although, for many Nobile type hybrids it is not a hard requirement. A 5 to 10 degree cooler night temp compared to summer will help a lot with blossom quantity. 10 to 15 degrees cooler will usually help even more.
As soon as you see new growths beginning near the base and buds beginning to form higher up, begin their spring watering cycle.

[Iray]

Very fascinating and informative,thank you very much!

[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!