I think it's a Dendrobium...and it's having babies
 

:hello I'm kind of a newbie at growing orchids. I've only been growing my five orchids for 12 years. My newest one, a Dendrobium (see pics) of some variety (I think, can't remember) that I picked up at Trader Joe's about 3 years ago, has been going through some interesting changes lately. First, all the leaves fell off the original stem and I don't know if I should cut it out or wait till it dries up before removing it. Second, I have a new branch coming off the top of the newest stem which I assume is a baby. I expected it to send up a spike but got a new plant instead. Should I remove it and plant it at the base? When should I do this?

I have another orchid, the 12-year-old, that I've had since it was 2 leaves in a 2" pot. I have misplaced the tag over time and have two questions about it. Any idea what variety it is? Why hasn't it ever sent up a spike? It has been growing larger leaves recently, almost like it decided to finally be an adult. It has also been sending up some aerial roots, too. Unfortunately, it suffered a major cat attack a few months ago (it used to have all pristine leaves...that's the last time I watch someone's cats!).

The Dendrobium is planted in a bark/soil mix and gets watered every 1-2 weeks. The other started out in moss so I kept it in moss in an orchid pot. It gets watered every week or week and a few days. I use Superthrive fertilizer every few months. I don't have a set schedule. They seem to keep on growing so I haven't changed much about their care.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Susan

That looks really cool! Very interesting , like a science project..

and then...it died
 

The poor thing didn't make it. I think I took the baby off too soon and didn't pot it properly. The mama died, too, but that's to be expected...time to go shopping for a replacement.

SusanO you may have cut the baby off to soon. The roots should be quite long. Sorry to hear it didn't work out.

Sheridan

Sorry to hear it did not work out. Time to try again. You will do better next time with that experience under your belt.

Sorry to hear it didn't live. The Keiki should have at least 4" worth of total root growth before you remove it. Your other plant is from the Cattleya alliance. They. like Dens, require very bright light to flower. Mine are all growing in a south facing window with blinds. Sphag gets stale very quickly, so you have to repot more often. I'd say at least once every 6 months.

Superthrive is not a fertilizer, and I don't recommend using it as one. It's supposed to stimulate root growth. Using it too often can do weird things to your plants. That may be why your Den sent out a Keiki instead of a spike. I'd recommend MSU fertilizer which can be purchased online from First Ray's Orchids https://www.firstrays.com/cgi/cart/c...1257733175.848 . If you'd rather purchase something locally DynaGro Grow is also a very good product, and widely available.

Good luck!

Hi quiltergal
I would like to know the source of this statement made by you "The Keiki should have at least 4" worth of total root growth before you remove it."
I am not questioning your knowledge base.I want it's source as I can quote it on my blog on orchids.
I am putting all regularly needed information on orchid care as a blog.
Hope you understand my intention,

Thanking you in advance,

Dev

The source(s) are completely anecdotal. I've heard the same thing from various other growers. Not a shred of scientific data to back it up whatsoever.

To add my :twocents: to the statement: My experience is that all plants need to have a certain range of root to leaf ratio and will loose leaves to adjust to this if/when they loose roots. The first keiki I tried removing from the "mother" I put in water - roots fully submerged and the base just barely wet - since I think I removed it a little soon. I wanted to be sure I was getting enough water into the keiki to supply the leaf transpiration needs. When I could see that the roots were growing I then potted the keiki. Seemed to work fine.

The issue is, leaves loose moisture through transpiration which then must be resupplied with water from the roots. Too many leaves or too few roots will cause the plant to loose too much moisture which can be fatal.

Don't know that you can get an easy reference for this fact as it is so basic to growing plants.

If you look at a healthy mature plant, you should get a good idea of the root/leaf ratio needed. This is probably the best "rule of thumb" that could be offered. So then when the keikis roots are large enough to be "consistent" with the "mother's" then the keiki should be safe to separate from the mother.

Another help in getting cuttings started, is to put them in a suitable container such that you can cover the top with a lid or even Saran Wrap over the top and tied around the top so it is air tight - rubber band will also work. This makes a mini terrarium that holds moisture in, raising the humidity, thus reducing the leaf transpiration rate.

HTH,
Larry

Hi I came across a these two youtube videos. the first one is about removing keikis and the second one is about potting them. They are American Orchid Society videos.If I am breaking any rules by posting them, modertors please remove them.
YouTube - Removing a Keiki
YouTube - Potting a Keiki

Thanking you,

Dev