Dieback of new shoots - Den. Maiden Charlotte

[rockyfarm]

I had my first Dendrobium Maiden Charlotte for over 6 years, mostly in a grow room under lights. It grew well and bloomed profusely. Then new shoots started dying back when about 2" to 4" tall, before the leaves expanded. The plant finally died. I was given another a year later and it grew wonderfully for 2 years and has now started the same act. New shoots grow out of the base of dead leads, but never mature. No such problem with my other orchids (mostly Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis). Tried soaking in Physan but no improvement. Any suggestions? It's a wonderful cross and I'm sad to lose it. Been growing orchids for 52 years.

[AnonYMouse]

More Calcium?

[rockyfarm]

More Calcium?? Interesting; I fertilize moderately with MSU for RO/rainwater, and water with rain only the next 2 times after fertilizing, so Ca might be a little leached out. I'll try using well water, adding egg shell and mineral supplements on the surviving bit! Thanks.

[Ray]

Define "moderately," and tell us how frequently you actually feed.

Calcium is one of the few nutrients that are not very mobile within a plant. If it isn't actively growing, you need to be providing calcium.

[rockyfarm]

I fertilize with 3/8 to 1/2 tsp of 13-8-15 fertilizer every 3rd watering, usually 3 days apart. The MSU mix is supposed to contain Calcium. I also spread powdered eggshell on my Paphiopedalum pots where the plant is indicated to have a higher requirement.

[AJW]

Try weak solution of Epson Salts after you have watered. ( two to three times should be plenty. suggest tablespoon to 1 gallon of water)

[rockyfarm]

I'm willing to try Epsom salts, but it's just magnesium sulfate - not calcium.

[rockyfarm]

Update: the plant has put out a number of new shoots, some are fringed with whorls of pointed 'leaflets', others sport blocky pseudobulbs with somewhat more normal leaves. But - the plant is finally growing new roots, and all growths are staying green, not withering and dying as before. The abnormal growths may be attributable to prolonged soaking in Physan 20. I'm using a Cal-Mag supplement to my MSU fertilizer, and am cautiously optimistic.

[estación seca]

A happy save!