post blooming zygopetalum and nobile dendrobium care

[Mo Boggie]

Hi, my zygo & den nobile have dropped their blooms, but I'm not sure what to do now. The den is dropping it's leaves & has shriveling canes. Looks like the zygo has 3 new shoots coming from the bulb (bulb appears to be getting fatter, splitting the leaves encasing it.) Can someone recommend watering, lighting, fertilizer and any other care instructions? Thank you

[WhiteRabbit]

The Den shouldn't be dropping leaves (excessively) nor have shriveling canes at this time of year - have you been watering it? Once spikes initiate in winter/spring, watering should be resumed until autumn.

[Mo Boggie]

I've overwatered so many orchids in the past, that I'm trying to be cautious. I'm now using bamboo stick to check the dryness of the orchid mix. It's seems that I just can't get it right. Some leaves are turning yellow. The only good bit of news is that there appears to be new growth at the base of the canes. Should I allow the bark to dry out between watering? Thanks for your advice.

[lotis146]

What other orchids do you have? Sorry I don't have any Dends so can't help you there but...

Not the most experienced grower here but I have several Zygo hybrids - only one species - and it's true that they are thirsty plants. You'll want to check the roots and medium first (may need to repot), especially if it's in something that holds more water than is good for you (since you over-water). I'd say they're similar in water and lighting requirements to Oncids however it depends on the hybrid/species. Do you know what your Zygo is?

Over the winter I watered my Zygolum & others once a week if not longer and I do believe it wanted more. (Btw, I'm a bad under-waterer.) Now I water & feed them once a week with a full drench but also water a second time in between (they sit in trays so I water in place). All will go outside for the summer and will up watering to 2-3x/wk with weakly, weekly feeding. I underwater to the degree that I need to keep mine in more water retentive medium. In fact I have another Zygolum I bought in Promix (a peat moss potting mix NOTE MIX NOT SOIL) and it's doing well. This plant has me thinking that I'm going to plant more Zygos in Promix like mixes (though I must be careful with summer depending on the rain we do or don't get). Also Zygos like fairly decent humidity 60%+, mine don't get enough.

One reason I know mine are really thirsty: they are doing well but could be better. And again they like really bright indirect light (though I have gotten away with some direct light on my Zygolum I'd recommend monitoring your plant in bright light until you get the hang of it).

Post pics plz!

[Cym Ladye]

If you go to the search icon on the menu bar and type in Zygopetalum care, you will find 48 threads on the genus. This should be of help for you in determining what care to give your plant post blooming.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Mo Boggie

I've overwatered so many orchids in the past, that I'm trying to be cautious. I'm now using bamboo stick to check the dryness of the orchid mix. It's seems that I just can't get it right. Some leaves are turning yellow. The only good bit of news is that there appears to be new growth at the base of the canes. Should I allow the bark to dry out between watering? Thanks for your advice.

I think that while the Den it's growing, it shouldn't be regularly drying out completely. I've only had one of these (did well for me the first year and a half, then idk what happened) , so I'm maybe not the best to give advice . Hopefully some other members can help.