Novice Den questions

[AmyG]

Good Evening all,
I'm a long time reader, new member- so please be patient with me! Can I place my Den. Moniliforme, Lindleyi, Parishii, Kingianum, nobile hybrid and "Phal type" hybrid out in my new cool grow tent? It's in the garage and plan to keep at 55-65 deg. in winter. I also understand that I should not water unless bulbs (or canes) shrivel. Is that correct? Thank you in advance for your help!

[Bud]

Please research on the culture of your plants or you might kill them. Only the Dendrobium lindleyi and the Dendrobium nobile should be given no water for 3 weeks and spray it with water if the canes shrivel....the rest of the Dendrobiums you mentioned does not need such drastic winter rest.....If you are watering them twice a week water them in winter every ten days starting when the leaves fall; just reduce the amount of water don't completely withhold it....if the leaves don't drop; start rest on December 22 and resume watering when you see new growths or on Valentine's day....hold fertilizer for the duration of rest period.
Proper winter rest must be given to ensure beautiful blooms this spring....

---------- Post added at 12:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 AM ----------

65F and bright shaded light during rest ( remember that in winter all leaves from trees are gone giving the orchid brighter access to the sunlight)

[AmyG]

Thanks Bud! I guess I'm a little over eager with my new "cool room"! I'll leave them in the house and continue the reduced watering schedule I've been following. I've had my Den. Red Emporer 'Prince' for a year and a half and have not seen it bloom yet. It has buds on it so I understand I need to reduce watering/fertilizing if I don't want more keikis. Once again, I appreciate everyone's advice and patience!

[Bud]

You are right in your observation. If you continue watering in winter rest, it will not give you flowers but new keikis instead.

*you have a couple of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis hybrids on your picture that you need not give rest period.

[AmyG]

Thank you!

[smweaver]

Hello, Amy. Researching what you're growing, as Bud suggested, is a great idea. I have no firsthand experience with Den. lindleyi or the Den. Phalaenopsis-type [derived from the Australian species (and heat loving) Den. biggibum] hybrids, but the other species are in my collection. All of my plants can (and regularly do) take significantly lower winter nights than the range you listed. You can also access specific cultural sheets for a wide variety of species at Orchid Culture -- Charles and Margaret Baker. The price is inexpensive ($1 per cultural sheet), and the data you'll find is obtained directly from each plant's native environment.

In addition to research, you might also benefit from the experience of other members of your local society (I saw that you listed a society there in Cincinnati). Do any of the local growers in your area have experience with the plants you listed? They're often a good source of information, and usually pretty happy to share their love of what they grow.

Best of luck to you and your dendrobiums.

Steve

[NYCorchidman]

Kingianum can be kept lower than the temperature range you mentioned and the flowering will be better. Keep it on the dry side as it can easily sprout keikis depending on the type, but not bone dry. Aim for enough watering to keep the pbs plump.

Nobile types are my favorite.
Also, depending on the hybrid, the temperature range you mentioned is fine, but if you want to make sure you have great flowering, then even 65 is rather too warm. I recommend keeping it under 60 to be safe (this is night time low).

You do not want to hold water until canes shrivels. It is actually bad for the plant.
You want to keep it plump. When you see slight wrinkles, you can water it, but you don't have to wait. You can go by pot weight and when it is completely dry (the pot will feel very light as compared to when it was just watered thoroughly).
Also, you want to give them lots of light. This also helps ample flowering.

Phal type dens may be perfectly fine in that temperature as long as day time temperature is significantly higher and the roots are kept on the dry side. Do they have more of round shaped flowers??
They have more of biggibum in them and take "cooler" temperature better than others. but to be safe and if you can, keep them in the warm room.

Good luck!