Dendrobium phalaenopsis care?

[Roberta]

It should be able to take the same sun as your Den nobile. (move it gradually if you can) In fact, your L. anceps would probably be very happy in that same area - mine get full southern California sun and seem to love it, bloom well. In the winter, Den. phalaenopsis-type plants do need to be protected from the cold (unlike the other orchids that you already have outside, all of which should be able to handle the cold) But in spring/summer/fall take advantage of the better outdoor light, just bring inside in a sunny window in the winter.

As for the pot, I think you should go somewhat smaller. They can handle some drying out, but with an oversize pot the center stays too wet. They don't grow roots very fast. Having just potted, repotting again should do no harm.

[aliceinwl]

Thanks! I'll downsize the Den. phal. a bit then, and gradually start increasing sun exposure.

The foliage on my L. aniceps started to turn purple so I was worried that it was getting too much sun and moved it to its present spot (old leaves still have a purple cast and the new growth is solid purple). I think its getting around 4-5 hours of sun on a clear day.

[Dollythehun]

Imo, that's too much sun. Dappled. Repot, that huge pot is not good. They like to be tight. Plus, it's going to be wobbly, which injures roots, worse if you suspend it. Use a rhizome clip or wire if you need to hold it secure in the pot. They grow more like phals than catts.

[Roberta]

Depending on exactly where on the central coast the OP lives, "full sun" may be pretty gentle. It depends on number of hours, the morning overcast, etc. My L. anceps really toast, hanging above the Cyms with only about 40% shade cloth, getting sun all day in summer. . But that's what they have always received, so they are acclimated. Less light may be appropriate if the intensity is greater.

Exact location is important... Santa Maria is different from the 5 cities beach area is different from San Luis Obispo, Monterey, etc.

[Dollythehun]

Since you live there, and I don't, your point is duly noted. In the Midwest, our unobstructed full sun would cook that plant.

[aliceinwl]

Thanks for the replies! I’m going to gradually increase light exposure to minimize chances of sun burn and let it acclimate to more light. The pot is up against the fence so it’s not blowing around and the canes are staked so the plant isn’t budging.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Since you live there, and I don't, your point is duly noted. In the Midwest, our unobstructed full sun would cook that plant.

It definitely must be location. Here in Ohio, I found the Den nobiles I was growing easily took full sun while the Phal-type dendrobiums needed shade from the noonday sun or they burned (even with careful introduction).

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

It definitely must be location. Here in Ohio, I found the Den nobiles I was growing easily took full sun while the Phal-type dendrobiums needed shade from the noonday sun or they burned (even with careful introduction).

My experience exactly.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

My experience exactly.

Mine too! Here in 6A Kansas, some high light plants even sunburn in dappled shade if it's late afternoon type shade.

[Leafmite]

Maybe it is cooler there? Very windy? Different light intensity? No idea. That is definitely why it helps to get advice from someone in the same area growing the same orchids. I love my orchid society for that reason.