I know how you feel. Some of them can be so frustrating! I just failed with my first attempt of the Latouria types. I killed all three. I did replace the Microchip (which I water daily and now grow in a table-top greenhouse that sit on a heating pad) which is finally thriving.
Then there is that new Phal-type Den. It got knocked over twice and the second time, the roots were damaged (it is under the lights and getting a new growth so it will be alright). Some Phal-Dens really hate their roots being disturbed and react badly. I had one that always lost a few bottom leaves every time I moved it outside for spring and inside for autumn. Still, very frustrating.
I don't grow the nobile types but I do grow a few odd species and have grown the Phal-types (and now the Microchip). It is a really large group and they come from quite a few different climates so they tend to have different needs.
The Phal-types are pretty easy (once they get established in LECA or red lava rock). They like to be warm (above 60'F), they prefer Cattleya light, they like a medium that lets plenty of air to the roots and when watering, soak their roots until they turn green. I grew them in clay pots in the beginning but use basket pots for the one I have now. That way, when it gets huge, I can just set the basket in a larger one and add medium.
I have found it best to try not to get water on the new growths as they might rot if conditions are right. I also find it best to plant the Dendrobium on top of the medium and stake it well until it is established (again so the new growths have a chance at living). They bloom on old growths so don't remove those as long as they are green.
I have grown the nobile types. They like strong light, tons of water and fertilizer during the summer, and then, in the fall, very, very little water and no fertilizer. I don't grow them now because they lose their leaves but you can't just shove them in a dark place and forget about them until spring like Pleiones or the Cyncnoches. Again, you have to watch that the new growths don't rot due to water getting in the growths and sitting there.
Then there are the many other types.....
I hope this helps. The Phal-types are really wonderful as many of them can be in bloom for most of the year.
Good luck!
Threaded Mode
