How to make my Den Nobile canes thick?

[ipv6ready]

Hi I hope someone can guide me. I am novice orchid addict since September 07.

I bought a den nobile in October 07 (Spring in Aus) with three canes in flower. These canes are tapered, the thickest parts of the old canes are thicker then an Artline permanent makers, where as my new canes are thin like a normal pencil.

Since October 8 new canes growth have developed and all are as tall or taller then the original canes about 15 inches or 45cm.

It is now coming to mid summer in Sydney Australia and I wanted to know if this is the normal growth pattern or if I am missing something on the feed or light and that is why my canes are thin?

Do Dends grow thin canes and thicken up?

I fed them by Campbell’s Orchid food 30N-4P-8K and after reading this forum and rays I have now switched to 17N, 8P, 16K Manutec Orchid food. Both are common Australian brand liquid orchid foods.

I have tried to get a balanced 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 feed but I can't seemed to find them Aus online or in nurseries.

So what is the secret of thick canes?

Thanks so much in advance.

[Undergrounder]

Yeah they'll thicken up and harden up into Autumn. Give them more K, less N and more sun as they reach their full height.

[ipv6ready]

thanks for your help.