Dendrobium Thong-Chai

[EDDIE]

Hi everyone,

I bought this orchid at Wal-Mart, it was potted in some of husk (coc0-nut or something). I repotted it in a slightly bigger pot; it is still in the husk but I filled in around the edge of the husk and the pot with seedling mix.

I have kept it on the dry side and recently with the warmer weather have placed it outside, which it seems to enjoy as it is growing another stalk.

When I purchased it-it had several smaller bulbs but no leaves; what are these and will they grow?

I would appreciate any culture info. as well as a blooming season on this. Thanks

Best regards,
eddie

[RosieC]

Hi Eddie,

Can you post a picture shwing the smaller bulbs.

Dendrobiums don't usually have bulbs as such, but I'm guessing they are short old 'canes'. Mine has a couple which are so short they look like bulbs. A photo would help us to tell.

If so they are probably just acting as water storage and will probably not grow, but help the plant balance it's water in drier times.

Dendrobium - Orchid Board

This is the dendrobium care sheet from Orchid Board, but dendrobiums are a large wide ranging group and different care is needed for different types of den. I'm afraid I'm not sure which category yours falls in to.

[EDDIE]

Rosie thanks for your help...actually when I posted this thread I should have said canes instead of bulbs...you're right, I believe they are short old canes with a new growth appearing on the newest cane. Do you know when these bloom? Thanks for your help!

Best Regards,
Eddie

[RosieC]

I think blooming depends on the type of Dendrobium.

I have a Den. Phal. type and it grows a spike out the top of a new cane. Some other sorts of Den produce flower spikes at the end of a winter dormant period.

Not knowing what type yours falls in to make it difficult to say.