Is there a way to downsize a den?

[mnoor]

Hi everyone,

Is there a way to downsize a dendrobium growth?

I have some of them in relatively big clay pots and their height about 2.5 feet tall. Quite tall to me.

Surely, if people can create mini den, there must be a way to control their growth for ordinary den.

[Tsuchibuta]

Mini den's are genetically predetermined to grow smaller. If the plant is genetically predetermined to be tall there really is no way of shortening it without harming the plant, and subsequently reducing the chance that it will bloom.

[RosieC]

I agree, if it's tall then it's genetically programmed to be tall, and probably the only way to make it shorter is to make it sick so it struggles to grow full height... really not an advised method and not guaranteed to actually make it shorter before it kills it. Small Dens are from breeding of naturally small species.

[newflasker]

You can control the plant height/size using Plant Grow Regulators (PGRs). One of these PGRs is Paclobutrazol. Many tiny Phal and Den. in Home Depot and Lowes use this PGR. Google for "getting result with liner dip" you will see a pdf file with more information how to control plant height.

[POLKA]

I wouldn't necessarily use that growth retardant -- which does what it says -- retards growth -- all growth -- roots, leaves, stems, and sometimes flowers.

I've got tall dendies -- 2 to 5 feet tall -- the typical grocery store types (dend phals) --

They like water, and fertilizer (up to 200 ppm N)

Pot them in rocks, let them dry between waterings, and stop fertilizing those that have bloomed already. They will grow slower, and shorter, but still bloom if they are old enough, and getting enough light.

Other than that, trade/sell them to someone, and take the money and buy the ones which grow shorter.

Take care, and have fun
Rex
aka POLKA