What to do with my Dendrobium formosum?
 

Hi!

So I’ve had this guy for a few months now and during that time he has done absolutely nothing! :(
When I first bought him he had a few leaves at the tip of the cane, but they have all died away. Oh, and he also has no roots at all.
(Why did I put him in a pot?) :scratchhead:
I’ve kept him quite wet and I was hoping he might send out some new roots, but he hasn’t so far. He also doesn’t seem to be shrivelling and he is still very firm.
I really don’t know what to do with him!
I would really like him to send out some new growth!
Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Cut back on the water. Slightly damp may encourage the new growth, which would only be starting about now. But "wet" is not good - with no roots, the plant can't take up water, and you just encourage rot. These like to be quite dry in winter and until new growth starts. The new growth will give you roots.

Thanks!

Yeah, I definitely don’t want him to start rotting.
I’ll just have to try and keep the top part of the medium damp.
I just don’t understand why new growth hasn’t started yet? Could it be because it’s got no roots at all?

Several of my Dens that have a winter dormancy are just starting to do new growth and leaves. And I am in a warmer climate. I think, patience. If the night temperatures get above 12-15 deg. C, it can go outside - and will benefit from a day-night temperature differential.

Thank you for that!

Yeah, patience is the key. :biggrin:
I’ve just got no experience with orchids that need a winter rest. A majority of the orchids that I’ve grown seem to grow all year long!
Well, I guess you never really stop learning with orchids! :)

Not in a whole lifetime! That's what is so exciting about the hobby!

Its overpotted. Most dendrobiums like small pots that just barely accommodate the existing root structure. I would remove the plant from that pot to see how many live roots are left, and place in a pot that only fits them, no bigger. When the media is just dry, then water it. It may be top heavy when potted this way, but that pot could be placed in a larger one for stability.

Finally new growth!
 

Hello! :biggrin:

It’s been a while, but my Dendrobium formosum has finally started some new growth! I’m so happy!

Yessss....