Dendrobiums- question about covering on canes

[Linnie]

I was told to make sure and clean off the coverings of the cattylea pseduo bulbs to make sure critters couldn't make their home in there.

I just assumed the same thing on my dendrobium canes but someone just told me at a recent orchid show I went to that you don't do that with dendrobiums.

Is it still okay to peel off when it becomes dry and starts to fall off on it's own? Or should I just leave it alone.

Thanks

[Ross]

I'd leave it alone. Never understood those that encouraged cleaning off the dried outer layers. They cause no harm I am aware of.

[cb977]

Alrighty then...this should be an interesting thread once everybody starts answering
I happen to agree with the idea of cleaning off that papery layer. To me, it just seems like the perfect place for those little itsy bitsy pests to set up house. I don't see there being a good reason to keep it attached so I remove it.
Just my opinion...with many more on the way, I'm sure

[Linnie]

Suzanne, Me too. I can't stand to see the paper layer, kinda like weeds in my orchids, I just have to remove them.

I did worry that I damaged the dens when I was being too energetic. Several times I peeled back part of the skin of the cane, and I know I that wasn't good, but I put cinnamon on it hoping it was okay. Not that long after, I lost a couple leaves.

It will be interesting to see what all the experienced growers think about this.

I think I will probably continue to clean off any of the layers that look like it will fall off on the dens, but keep cleaning the catts.

Thanks all,

[Ross]

I think cleaning the canes is a bit like applying leaf polish to make the leaves look pretty.

[cb977]

It just gives it a cleaner look and I think protects it from pests.

By the way, for those of you who might have a chance of having a plant shown, do not ever use leaf polish on the leaves. It's not allowed in judging.

[Tony]

A lighter will take care of the papery covering, it will burn right off.

[Linnie]

Naaaaaaaa. I don't think my orchids would like the extra heat, and with my luck I would burn down the house.

[wallyworld]

Fire!!! Fire!!! Not a good thing That would be my luck also, my wife gets nervous when I start up the mapp gas to cook my cutting instruments when I divide plants...LOL

[Wendy]

Myself I would clean off the canes when the covering is dry and crispy. But then again I show my plants and they look far better all cleaned up. And I agree about the leaf shine...you can also smother the leaf pores with too much of that stuff. I use a mix of horticultural oil, water and a drop of dish soap to clean my plants. It's great for controlling spider mites as well.

As a side note...unless you do show your plants or if you have a bug problem, it won't hurt to leave the coverings on.