Dendrobium Help - A Few Questions

[yaffle]

Hi everyone!

I've got two dendrobiums (Dendrobium Sanok and Dendrobium Stardust 'Chiyomi') and I'm pretty sure they're both cool types. They've been in my bedroom window in almost full sun since I got them (Sanok a couple of months and Starburst a week), my room's really bright and when I came back from holiday my Sanok had a yellowing leaf which I assumed was due to too much sun/heat so I moved them downstairs to somewhere less sunny. The leaf is now more yellow and I'm assuming it will drop off.

It only has two flowers left now so when do I need to rest it?

Is it normal for the leaves to yellow and drop off?

How much sun do they need?

I've got some orchid focus fertiliser (Bloom and Growth) which should I use at different times of the year/times of growth?

Is there anything else I should know?

Many Thanks,

yaffle

[Roly0217]

yaffle and to the OB !!! I googled some pictures and at least the second one that you mention which is Dendrobium Stardust 'Chiyomi' seems to me like a "nobile type" dendrobium. If it is it's normal for the older canes aka pseudobulbs to loose their leaves once they mature; do not cut the cane as it will rebloom from the nodes for years to come. I couldn't find any picture of the other one to help me identify it. and I'm sure that someone with more experience will help you soon. Enjoy the forum !!!!

[yaffle]

Thanks Rolando, It is a leaf off an older cane so it could be that.

I've taken some photos of the orchids and the leaf that has yellowed... I hope they help...

Dendrobium Sanok:





The yellowing Leaf on it:



Dendrobium Stardust 'Chiyomi':



Thanks,

yaffle

[Roly0217]

Yaffle they both seem to be of the kind that loose the leaves on the older canes; so I wouldn't worry about it. Don't cut the cane as it will flower from the nodes next year just like it did this year. Usually the older canes become completely leafless and the new ones are the ones with leaves. By the way they are both beautiful !!!!

[yaffle]

Oh thats great! I was scared I was doing something wrong!

Thanks so much for your help.

When should I rest them? Is it after they've flowered or at a certain time of year and which fertiliser shall I use at different times of the year?

Thanks,

yaffle

[lostonthebeach]

Both the plants and the blossoms look great. You must be doing everything right. Thanks for the photos.

[Roly0217]

Winter time is usually resting time for them as they flower from spring well into summer and early fall. Once winter arrives they will remain dormant with no growth. You can fertilize year round with a well balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer. During winter reduce watering.

[yaffle]

Thats great! Thanks Rolando and LOTB!