Dendrobium Problems

[Robin Jones]

I have grown orchinds in my greenhouse for over 30 years. I usually have very good success with most of them (cattleyas, vandas, ascocendas, brassiovolas, phalenopsis, oncidiums, etc.)
The one that I cannot seem to grow (and I thought it was easy, as they are on of the most common "street orchids" in Thailand and other areas. That is the dendrobium. Mine either don't bloom, don't grow, or more often than not--die.

Where can I find good basic information on how to grow dendrobiums. Maybe I can figure out what I am doing wrong. I have them next to my cattleyas.

Thanks!!

[Roberta]

Dendrobium is huge genus, and even within sections there's a lot of variation in habitat, therefore growing conditions. So... can you give us a name? Then it will be possible to look it up if a species or look up parentage if a hybrid. Only getting down to the species/grex is it possible to even begin to give accurate advice.

[rbarata]

As Roberta said, different Dens can have different requirements.

[Robin Jones]

I am sorry, but the plants are several years old and when I purchased them online, they just have an ID number. I understand what you are saying. Just wondered if there is a good resource for dendrobium in general.

Thank you for your reply.

[rbarata]

Maybe you can recognize its flowers from a google search.

[Robin Jones]

Sorry to say they have not bloomed in many years. Like, 8 years. Now out of 6, only two are still even alive. I have repotted them. I try to lower the water during the winter. As far as light, they are next to cattleyas, which are doing well. Sorry I can't give much intelligent information. They just don't do well for me.

[Roberta]

can you show us photos of the plant? The whole plant, close-up of leaves and canes, and the pot and medium. That would helpl

[Robin Jones]

Sure. I will do that tomorrow.