Dendrobium in Rapid Decline

[Hunhunt]

Greetings, I have just joined the forum and just getting back into growing orchids after 50 years absence. I grew orchids in Houston, TX 50 years ago and am now trying my hand at it again in Idaho. I recently ordered a variety of orchids, most of which arrived in good condition and seem to be thriving. However, there is one Dendrobium that is in rapid decline and I'm wondering if anyone can help me understand what is causing the decline. See attached photo.

[Roberta]

First Welcome, and welcome back to orchid growing.

How long have you had that Dendrobium? It does look like it might have some sort of infection, but there appears to be a leaf without the spots so maybe the problem is old. But if you just got it, I'd suggest making contact with the vendor, either getting a replacement or refund. Such problems likely were there before you got it. And keep it away from your other orchids!

[Hunhunt]

I received the orchids 13 days ago. The first few days this plant looked OK but then it started developing the spots which rapidly deteriorated into general yellowing of the leaves. I did contact the seller today and sent along this photo to show the condition of the orchid. The seller responded and said that their refund/replacement policy is limited to no more than 7 days after receipt of the plants. The other orchids that I ordered were phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums which are doing fine.

[Roberta]

Cold damage is a possibility but seems unlikely if the Phals and Paphs are OK, they are more sensitive than a Dendrobium. Bummer that the vendor isn't making this right. Consider unpotting it and having a look at the roots. If the roots are bad, back to the vendor... root rot doesn't happen in such a short time.
For future orders, take a look at this thread in the Vendor Feedback forum to get some suggestions for vendors that people have had good experience with:
What are your favorite USA orchid nurseries in 2022?

[Hunhunt]

Ironically, I discovered this forum the day after I placed the order for the orchids. One of the first threads I looked at was the one you mentioned "What are you favorite USA orchids nurseries in 2022". And I saw some unfavorable comments about the company I ordered from. Live and learn. I did try reporting as the media was pretty broken down. Roots didn't look very good but hard to believe that would be responsible for the rapid and severe decline. When I grew D. phaleanopsis types before they seemed very hardy so this has surprised me. The small leaf you noted has now developed the black spots as well and is rapidly yellowing. Fortunately none of the other plants are exhibiting this.

[Roberta]

One consolation... Dendrobiums tend to be pretty good at "reviving" - the canes look good, so you are very likely to get new growth (which will also have new roots), and this time of year, likely it will happen fairly soon.