what type is it?

[ChangeAgent]

I have an Orchid that was given to me and I have grown fond of it. I have no clue about orchids, other than that they used to grow in the forest when I lived in the tropics, and are pretty and smell sometimes. Or that we have them in Scotland in the mountains, small and pretty too. This one has bloomed several times for me and is doing so at present.

So I like to know the following if you be so kind:
1. What kind is it?
2. What care does it need?
3. How do I get it to bloom again once it stopped?
4. How could I propagate it?
5. Anything else in the form of tips you might have…

That is it, many thanks for your time.

[Roberta]

First, welcome to the Board! That is a beautiful flower.

It is a Dendrobium, of the Dentrobium-phalaenopsis type. (Doesn't have anything to do with Phalaenopsis, but does grow under similar conditions) This type does like to be warm, and does not need (or want) a winter dry period. It needs a well-drained medium, and as much light as you can give it. That is the part that will be a challenge where you live. You might supplement the natural light from the window with an LED light (12 hours per day). As with all orchids, fertilize very lightly. Whatever it says on the bottle, use 1/4 to 1/2 the amount, and not more than once a week. For watering, it depends on the medium and the humidity. These can go nearly dry before the next watering. There is no rush, but once it is done blooming it probably needs repotting (most newly-acquired orchids do), the ideal time is when new growth and new roots are appearing.

Don't even think of propagation at this point... eventually, if it is very happy and makes many new growths it could be divided, but one big, strong plant is far better than several small, weak ones both for survival and flowering.

[Paphluvr]

It would seem to me that if it has bloomed for you several times, then the care you have been giving it is fine. Don't mess with success. Roberta was spot on with the id.

[ChangeAgent]

Morning Roberta (and Paphluvr for chipping in too)! Thanks for your lovely reply.

Some questions if I may. You write: Dendrobium, of the Dentrobium-phalaenopsis type. A typo or correct (Dendrobium and Dentrobium)?

I have had this orchid for almost two years and it bloomed several times. I never re-potted it either, watered it without any rhythm (thought they like it dryer) and it is sitting in a SE corner (wall of about 4 feet in each direction) with light from a East and a South window following the wall, but not loads of it. So I am surprised it needs loads of light as it seemed happy to me. But that can be changed.

What medium shall I get and any particular type of fertiliser?

Blooming. As you see on the pic it has about 6 growths. All of them have bloomed at one point or another, some of them two blooms. Will they bloom again or is it only the new growths that bloom (the present growth never bloomed)?

This one came in a transparent pot. Is this a must? And what if you put the transparent one in a decorative pot with the transparent pot inside?

Loads of questions I know, but there you go new to the world of orchid care.

[Dollythehun]

Any medium bark will be fine. I used regular orchid fertilizer for years, they're not fussy. Repot when you see new roots. If it's blooming, keep the light you're using. They bloom from new and old canes, a clear pot lets you observe the roots. However, you may want to drop that pot into a heavier one as they get top heavy. Relax and enjoy. Dendrobium.

[ChangeAgent]

Thanks Dollythehun.

Yes it is top heavy indeed, so it is in need of something heavier.

Will repot when this bloom is over. Are you saying any type of bark? I looked in my local garden shop and see there is al kinds of fancy stuff one can get.

Some canes seem to be stunned, like I have two with just only one leave on it and very short. Is this normal? Or does it need food, or?

[Paphluvr]

It's probably best to wait until Spring and more vigorous growth to repot, rather than when this blooming is complete. As Dollythehun said, clear plastic pots let you observe the root health and top-heavy plants like this can be set into a regular or decorative clay pot to prevent them from tipping over.

[ChangeAgent]

great that is what we do! Shall I get any type of bark? I looked in my local garden shop and see there is al kinds of fancy stuff one can get. Any tips?

[Dollythehun]

The larger the bark, the more often you'll have to water. I have mine is a smaller bark but, they aren't fussy. Tall and shorter canes are normal.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

The larger the bark, the more often you'll have to water. I have mine is a smaller bark but, they aren't fussy. Tall and shorter canes are normal.

But the less likely that you will have to worry about overwatering. So choose bark size depending on your watering style. If you travel or otherwise can't water for a week, choose small bark or other water-retentive medium. If you like to fuss over your plants and find watering therapeutic, then choose large bark - the important thing is that the plant needs to dry out somewhat (not totally) between waterings, and have have air around the roots. So choice of medium is, whatever it takes to meet the goal of wet-dry cycle and an airy environment in the root zone.