Does Dendrobium moniliforme need a dormancy to stay healthy?

[RiverbankMudlark]

I've heard that in Japan, because Dendrobium moniliforme is usually grown for its foliage, it's pretty common for growers to keep their orchids at constant temperatures throughout the year, so that even though they don't flower, they have continuous growth and keep their leaves.

Is this safe for the plant? I thought orchids that have a Winter dormancy end up exhausting themselves? At least that's what I've heard for Sedirea japonica, and some types of Dendrobiums like nobile.

How long can a Dendrobium moniliforme be kept in a 'seasonless' state, before it starts to develop problems? I like the leaves myself, but should I force a dormancy when Winter comes around by decreasing the temperature? Also, how cold does it need to be? Hopefully no colder than 10 C.

ADDENDUM: To be honest, now that I think about it, I don't know if Dendrobium moniliforme even has a dormancy or not? Like, I know it can handle really cold temperatures and it is deciduous, but now that I think about it, I remember seeing once in a video MOG was talking about her Dendrobiums and said that there are some that are deciduous but don't take a full Winter rest. Is Dendrobium moniliforme even one that takes a rest?

[estación seca]

Dendrobium nobile will not have problems if it stays at a relatively constant temperature all year. It won't flower without the cooling down, but it will survive and grow fine.

[RiverbankMudlark]

I thought nobile-types needed dormancy, or they would start to behave weird if they become 'de-seasoned'. MOG said in one of her videos that they can become slow and exhausted?

[Roberta]

I would not consider MOG to be an authority on anything.

[RiverbankMudlark]

Is she not a good source of information? I'm pretty new to the orchid community, so I'm still trying to work on finding fairly reliable information about plant care.

Anyways, regarding Dendrobium moniliforme, what do you think? Do you think it should be fine even if it doesn't get a proper Winter rest?

---------- Post added at 04:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

And the moniliforme is the same as the other nobiles, even though it comes from pretty cold climates?

[Roberta]

Search the Board for references to MOG. She has, over the years, given out much misinformation. If you have questions, ask them there... you will learn from actual experienced growers, who will qualify their advice based on conditions and observations.

With regard to Den. moniliforme... I would trust the advice of Japanese growers. They are the experts. Or growers outside of Japan who have expertise with the species that are treasured in Japan (For instance, Neofinetia (Vanda) falcata. For instance, Jason Fischer of Orchids Limited (orchidweb.com) is definitely an authority with regard to these species.

Den. moniliforme is its own species - Den. nobile is another species. There are many Den. nobile hybrids. For learning about species (habitats, etc.) go to Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

[RJSquirrel]

The quick answer.

No.

New World has a culture sheet just for these.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=51b9d...NjU4NDY2&ntb=1

[RiverbankMudlark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Search the Board for references to MOG. She has, over the years, given out much misinformation. If you have questions, ask them there... you will learn from actual experienced growers, who will qualify their advice based on conditions and observations.

With regard to Den. moniliforme... I would trust the advice of Japanese growers. They are the experts. Or growers outside of Japan who have expertise with the species that are treasured in Japan (For instance, Neofinetia (Vanda) falcata. For instance, Jason Fischer of Orchids Limited (orchidweb.com) is definitely an authority with regard to these species.

Den. moniliforme is its own species - Den. nobile is another species. There are many Den. nobile hybrids. For learning about species (habitats, etc.) go to Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

I see. That's good to know — thank you. It's a little frustrating trying to gauge information as a beginner.

To be honest, I don't watch MOG much anymore. Not enough Neos and jewel orchids for my taste I guess. haha

Also, thank you for the recommendation of Jason Fischer — I've sent him an email asking about his thoughts on D. moniliforme dormancy.

I also asked in the email whether Sedirea japonica needs one. MOG said they do (though as I'm now hearing, I should be cautious of some of her advice), but Taras at Flora Peculia, whom I buy from, doubts it, because it's a kind of Phal, which don't generally have dormancies.

[Roberta]

With regard to Sedirea japonica... It got classified as a Phal based on DNA and also a general taxonomic resistance to monotypic (one species) genera. That has nothing to do with culture. Taxonomic changes are a hot topic for another day...

For determining the needs of any species, learn all you can about the habitat, that will be much more likely to put you on the right path. When you see terms like "always" or "never", run the other way. In the orchid world, there are exceptions to most blanket statements.

Sedirea japonica and relatives (such as Hygrochilus parishii which also got classified as a Phal as Phal hygrochila) are relatively high elevation/temperate latitude Vandaceous species. As such, they experience distinct seasonal temperature variations, and have evolved to adapt to those. Winters tend to be much cooler, and somewhat drier and brighter, than spring/summer. Note that I said "drier" not "dry". Even if there is little rain, there is humidity, and morning dew. There are a few groups of orchids that do need fairly dry "dry". The Catasetum group does have special need for a dry winter (but definitely not cold...) The Mediterranean-climate terrestrials need warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters (diametrically opposite to the more typical monsoonal pattern) . These are in the "exception" category. But vitally important - learn what happens in the habitats, that will give you guidance. Orchids can adapt to conditions somewhat outside the boundaries of their "natural" conditions, but there will be limits. Part of this journey is learning where the limits are. I speak as a "What can I get away with?" grower.