Phal Type Dendrobiums Debunking a Myth

[Orchidnewby]

Hello, I am new to orchid plants and I have a dendrobium type right now. I am not very sure about the lighting the dendrobiums need since I read different things online. Some say 50% of sunlight some say only morning sun and some say cycle of light. I only have windows in my house at the southeast side and northwest side. I know phalanenopsis orchids would do well under my light conditions but I feel like the dendrobium need more light. Can anyone give me on some advice on where I should put my dendrobium orchid? Is light sufficient? Or should I place it outside of the northwest side only in the afternoon and let it sit in half sun half shade after 3pm? Ive read almost everything online and it really confuses me. i understand the basics of caring for an orchid but when it comes down to actually deciding how much light is enough for this dendrobium i doubt and wonder if it is enough or too much. my windows definitely give only shaded light and it does not face the ideal direction. please help. Thank you

[Junebug]

It's difficult to say. Is your dendrobium a phal type? Phal type dendrobiums grow and bloom better under bright lighting conditions, however I don't recommend direct sunlight. There are other things to consider when choosing a location such as air circulation, humidity, and the length of time that the plant will be exposed to sunlight. A bright window that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight would probably work well, but you will probably need to filter the light with partially opened blinds or sheer/curtains. In my case the eaves of my house block the sun from pouring in the window. Never move a plant abruptly from a shady area into higher lighting conditions. Slowly acclimate the plant to increased sunlight. Touch the leaves and if they feel warm you should back down on the sunlight. If growing outdoors you can provide shade with leaves and tree limbs. Lattice structures work great too. Remember to check the leaves for heat. Pay attention to the patterns of shade cast throughout the day outdoors and also the length of time and time of day of areas receiving direct sunlight. Remember that your looking for a bright dappled effect and not direct sunlight. Another thing to note when growing outdoors is the transition of sunlight during seasonal changes. Monitor your sun exposure and make adjustments accordingly. I hope this was helpful. Good luck.

[Orchidnewby]

Thank you it is helpful. I am planning to leave it outside the porch since there is sun after 3pm but I can put it in a corner where the sun cannot reach it but the plant will get light... I'm not sure what kind of dendrobium I have. I thought I had a phal den but the flowers are a little smaller than those Hybrids and the blooms are green. I read somewhere that these plants need a lot more sunlight and water than the phal orchids.. So if the late afternoon sun does hit it would it be a problem? I tried that yesterday and the leaves were not hot. But maybe because its only been one day?

[Orchidnewby]

Oh and how do I tell what kind of a dendrobium do I have?

[Vanda lover]

I have had phal dendrobiums that would only get the odd bloom spike and one that was a multiple bloomer. I have recently bought one on ebay which is doing well in s/h in lava rock. I hope it is a multi bloomer.

[Hedge]

Originally Posted by Orchidnewby

Oh and how do I tell what kind of a dendrobium do I have?

Try and post a picture here, and someone will tell you. Or get a reference book from a shop, or your local library. Phal types produce flowers on a stem from the top of each cane, nobile types have flowers borne directly on the canes.

Look through old posts, there are lots of photos of beautiful plants here

[ryrycochinco]

You just blew my mind. LOL! Thats really cool. Thanks for the info.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Hedge

Try and post a picture here, and someone will tell you. Or get a reference book from a shop, or your local library. Phal types produce flowers on a stem from the top of each cane, nobile types have flowers borne directly on the canes.

Look through old posts, there are lots of photos of beautiful plants here

Phal type dens will also spike from nodes located further down the cane along the nodes, generally beside a leaf. They'll also spike from bare nodes midway down the cane. The first spike comes from the tip between the uppermost leaves. I've had them spike from older canes year after year, even below a break in the cane and in some cases just before the cane expires from old age.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Orchidnewby

Thank you it is helpful. I am planning to leave it outside the porch since there is sun after 3pm but I can put it in a corner where the sun cannot reach it but the plant will get light... I'm not sure what kind of dendrobium I have. I thought I had a phal den but the flowers are a little smaller than those Hybrids and the blooms are green. I read somewhere that these plants need a lot more sunlight and water than the phal orchids.. So if the late afternoon sun does hit it would it be a problem? I tried that yesterday and the leaves were not hot. But maybe because its only been one day?

It's o.k. if some sunlight hits the leaves, just not full exposure during the most intense/mid day phase. The sunlight promotes strong healthy growth and blooms. The canes will curve if there's not enough sunlight. With proper lighting they'll grow thick, tall, and erect. Deep green leaves are another indication that the plant needs more sunlight. The leaves should not be dark. A medium green is the leaf color you'll be trying to achieve. Cut back, but do not withhold water during Winter for the Phal type dendrobium. Protect them from temperatures dropping below 50 degrees. Resume a regular watering schedule after Winter when new growths appear at the base of the plant.

I'm afraid I'm scaring you from giving your plant enough sunlight. These plants love the sun. After 3:00 p.m. during this time of year might not be enough because the days are shorter. Early a.m. sun tapering off around noon would work well, with a little indirect sun during the rest of the day. My plants are shaded by a slat roof with trellised walls surrounding. My trellis is the large type with 4" holes. In my scenerio a lot of sun reaches the plants but I acclimated them slowly and they're used to it. Some of them reach for even higher lighting beyond the latticed walls. The important thing to remember is to acclimate your dendrobiums slowly to brighter light. Give them a few days to adjust before moving them again. If your at home on the days that you move them you can check the temperature of the leaves throughout the day and make adjustments to prevent sunburn if needed.