Leafless Dendrobium spectabile - Orchid Board

fateisinmyhands · #1 06-04-2016, 11:08 AM

This is my first Den. Literally any advice will be helpful. It is in a rescue state, cleaned and potted up, also gave it a drop of super-thrive while it soaked for re-pot. D. spectabile has several pbs, all but 1 are green and fairly plump.
Now what is the best way to encourage growth? I've done some research and these guys seem to like warm conditions but I'm really not getting thorough information on their light requirements. Also need to know how often these should be fertilized. Thank you!! I'll post pictures soon, just need a few more posts to be fully active

It can go outside, in the warm humid room or stay in the main part of the house. Just not sure where to locate it since I'm in damn-near-hell North Texas

fateisinmyhands · #2 06-04-2016, 01:50 PM

Here's a photo of the little guy

Orchid Whisperer · #3 06-04-2016, 08:03 PM

I assume that is a back-bulb division. Does it have any live roots?

If it has roots, I would pot it in coarse, fast-draining medium. Mine is in volcanic scoria, in a clay pot. Similar rock based materials, or LECA without water-retaining additives (moss, bark, etc.) would work well. I recommend the terracotta pot too.

I would skip fertilizer until you see some signs of growth (roots or new leads). Maybe provide some form of seaweed extract to stimulate root growth.

fateisinmyhands · #4 06-05-2016, 09:42 AM

I'm not sure it was a division, I could be wrong, but I believe the other half of the pot may have died back completely. There are live roots, not a ton but there are a few little knubs here and there for new roots starting as well so I'll take that as a good sign. (Cleaning all the dead roots out from the half that was sawed off was a project by itself)
Since I do not have any other media at the moment I potted it up in perlite with a medium grade mix (it has as bark and large chunk perlite) the mix doesn't seem to hang on to any moisture so hopefully the bark shouldn't be an issue. If it really is going to be a problem I'll get some more media and switch it over before it has a chance to settle. So would that make the D. spectabile a lithophyte since it likes a stone/rock like material? Lol I may be completely wrong.
Now, one more, from what I've found online about this one it seems to like really high light.... I have an hps light in my green room and would like to get a blue tinted glass or plexi-glass to slightly screen the intensity of the light and to promote veg. Depending on how high I hang the light I could definitely give it the 10-12k lumens I was seeing in research. If I do that, should I screen it off at all? Or just let it soak up all the light it wants? Honestly I'm just a little afraid of the direct light aspect since I constantly hear no direct sun to orchids or they burn up.
Any recommendations are welcome seriously.

---------- Post added at 07:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 AM ----------

Oh and I'll definitely get it switched over to terracotta.

Orchid Whisperer · #5 06-05-2016, 10:29 AM

You might be OK with your growing medium if you are careful with watering. The terracotta pot will help. While actively growing (growing roots or growing new shoots), treat like a Phalaenopsis (water thoroughly each time, let media nearly dry out before watering again). The plant never really needs a dry rest, but when it is not actively growing, treat more like a Cattleya (complete drying of medium between thorough watering). The difference between the two watering regimes is really only going to mean one or two extra days before watering again.

I would definitely NOT try increasing / maximizing light until your plant is growing again. Keep with Phalaenopsis until you have a new sprout coming along. Then, gradually increase the light. Actually, you could wait until you have a second leafy growth before making the move to more light. Mine grows and blooms in light similar to what you would provide to Cattleyas.

This is a wonderful and rewarding species with a sharp spicy fragrance almost as complex and interesting as the flowers. I hope it grows well for you.

fateisinmyhands · #6 06-05-2016, 11:46 AM

I will monitor watering carefully and keep it out of intense light. I appreciate your advice hopefully I'll be able to update with great progress soon. Everything else in my house seems to be growing crazy fast so let's hope this trend continues

I am definitely ecstatic to have this one in my collection, it doesn't seem to be very common, and the flowers are incredibly unique... I am intrigued by your description of the fragrance, now I really can't wait!

estación seca · #7 06-06-2016, 01:09 AM

If it's humid outside, put it out in bright shade. Outside is always better than inside under lights if humidity/temperature cooperate.