Dandrobium with roots growing near the top of the cane
 

I have a dandrobium propagation question. I have a D. Jairak dendrobiun which is not doing well, it has few good roots in the pot, is ~ 10 inches high with 3 canes. Two canes are plump, one has no leaves, the other has two babies with ~ 4 leaves and ~ 5 1/2 inch roots for each at the top of the cane. The third cane is skinny with a ball at the top. Can I save the chid by planting the babies? Could I do it now or later, how do I do it :scratchhead: ? I last repotted it 2 months ago after trimming the dead roots, but it didn't seem to work. Please help!

Hi Judi :)

I have a couple of Dens that no longer produce anything on their own except for keikis, which is what you have :nod:

The standard is to wait until keikis have at least a few roots which are 2-3 inches long...yours sound like they're ready to become new plants :dance:

Carefully remove them. I can usually do this by holding the very bottom of the keiki where the roots are attached and gently twisting. They usually pop right off. If they don't come off easily, you can take a sharp sterile knife and nick the cane to remove the keiki. Just put some cinnamon on the nick and the cane can continue to produce, if you'd like :)

Can you post a picture of the plant?

I am still new to orchids, but from what I have read you should be able to plant the little keiki and grow them. Most people say when they have 2 or 3 inch roots then it is ok to remove them but they will grow faster if left on the mother plant. and dont forget to post :photo: everyone likes to see them

OK, now that I have my camera charged, I can send pictures. The longest root only seems to be ~ 1inch long, so maybe I should wait a while. Do I need to use any special potting medium for the little ones? Yes, my orchids are my babies :) !

Hi Judi :)

Those roots look like they would be fine but you could always let them grow out a little more.

I read somewhere (don't remember where) that as long as there is a total of 4 inches in roots, whether it's two 2" roots or four 1" roots, they would be good.

I usually remove mine when the roots are about 2" or so.

:thanx: Susanne, I've learned a lot including the use of the term"keiki". Do you think I can also propegete the cane that doesn't have any growth on it--if so how do I do it :scratchhead: ?

I really don't think your plant looks THAT bad.I would be reluctant to separate the keikis too soon...let them develop and maybe your plant will produce some new basal growths.

I would do what sue suggests. one neat little trick i would at is mixing the cinnamon with some elmers glue to seal the wound and put it on both the keiki and the canes. but dont give up on the mother plant yet, just continue on as if everything was normal. you might get a basal growth.