Flimsy droopy Dendrobium?

[Hansu.nahar]

Hey!

I have a few den. phals. This year, they were all growing very well but recently, the upper most parts of their canes from where the new leaves are produced have started to go flimsy and droopy on all of these plants and the new leaves dont feel as sturdy and crisp. I un-potted one and checked its roots, which looked perfectly fine.

What could be the cause?

[estación seca]

If the roots look fine, my best guess would be not enough water.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I dunno, they kinda look fine to me.

[katrina]

I don't grow these but maybe it's because the leaves are new and they will harden with age. Many other orchids exhibit this behavior...leaves on the flimsy side until they get older and become more firm.

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

I agree with estación seca. Drooping, soft leaves usually indicate there is not enough water in the leaves. You should check the roots & if they are healthy, you are underwatering. If the roots appear soft & mushy which usually occurs from overwatering, the roots are unable to take up water. You end up with the same symptoms, soft, drooping leaves but different causes.

I would pull the orchid out of the pot & check the roots. If healthy, increase your watering. I believe I see a Dendrobium cane in the photo with your phal that looks very dehydrated as well. Your growing media appears to be hydroton. Are you growing your orchids in semi-hydroponics?