New den stalk stopped growing! - Orchid Board

paamul · #1 03-07-2012, 08:03 PM

A Den put up a new stalk and it was doing fine and then the stalk just stopped growing! I have pretty much had it with this orchid and am ready to toss it. It was in bloom when I bought it from the Orchid Society here in New Orleans. The next year it put up a beautiful stalk but never grew a spike hence so flowers. I transplanted it a year 1/2 ago and it just sat all that time with nothing happening. It finally put out this new stalk and AGAIN it stopped growing.

It gets plenty of light and I fertilize weekly, weakly. Could I have over ferilized? What's wrong?

I have put up two photos take 3 weeks apart to show the "non growth". As a novice, I still think it looked healthy but I must have done something wrong. Help, please.

WhiteRabbit · #2 03-07-2012, 10:11 PM

Have you checked the roots?

NYCorchidman · #3 03-07-2012, 10:57 PM

Once it produces flowers, the following new growths should flower. Also, those following growths are usually taller and bigger.
Your plant is doing it twice in a row.

If you really like it a lot, then wait for another new cane.
If not, I would toss out of frustration and wasting space. lol
Seriously, it could be virus making the plant weak, or it's just some misterious cause. Whatever it is, it is not normal being like that.

lostonthebeach · #4 03-08-2012, 11:37 AM

Dens usually like to be a bit root bound. Your plant may be a little over potted. You could try a smaller pot.
Also do not plant it too deep.
It is the season for new canes so be patient and see what happens.
If you want to invest in a bit of trouble Try a little KLN.
Works for me for both roots and for encouraging new canes.

paamul · #5 03-08-2012, 08:48 PM

Thanks all for replying. I have not checked the root since the new stalk came in a few months ago. I was so excited to see growth after 1 1/2 years! I guess I can do that. Also, I repotted it in the same pot, just with new orchid mix since it wasn't growing. I'll just watch it for awhile and see what happens. What is KLN?

silken · #6 03-08-2012, 10:10 PM

K-L-N is a rooting hormone made by Dyna Gro. It is a popular rooting hormone for orchids since some brands can be too strong and cause damage.

I don't know a lot about Dens. but I have a few nobile type and several others. It looks like a nobile type but I'm not sure from your photos. If it is, then you need to stop feeding it fertilizer by late summer and give it a cool, dry, bright winter in order to harden the canes and induce blooms-usually in the spring.

Maybe someone can confirm what type it is as there are many types that look similar in structure.

Bud · #7 03-08-2012, 10:49 PM

it looks like a phal type Den. that doesnt need a winters rest...I think your plant needs more light and since its early spring it will need more water and fertilizer. Try putting it outside your window or outdoors under a shady tree make sure there is no direct sunlight by 11am to 3pm...or the leaves will burn

paamul · #8 03-08-2012, 11:50 PM

Thanks, Silken and Bud, I think the light has been ok since it has a little red around the edge of the new leaves, is apple green (the other folliage is dark green on this plant). I did finally put it outside last week with morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Our temps here are mild...high 50's to low 60's at night and 70's in day. I do think I need to give it more water. This may be where I'm failing. Thanks!

RJSquirrel · #9 03-10-2012, 06:09 AM

more light..most problems with orchids not blooming is not enough light at the proper time I have been reading. not to worry, more canes more blooms when its ready...

I learn not to worry too much about a plant blooming or not. If it doesnt bloom this time around maybe next time you get double the blooms. If it doesnt bloom you still have a nice looking plant.

you know you can get a blue ribbon for best grown non blooming orchid?

..thats my plan for the next show lol

Paphluvr · #10 03-10-2012, 09:53 AM

I agree with "lostonthebeach" that it seems to be overpotted. Repotting would accomplish two functions, root check and smaller pot. Another observation, it appears to be just a three cane plant (I assume just one cane when you received it and two new growths since). In my experience, a plant that small just needs to gain strength in order to grow a fully mature growth at which time it should bloom.