Is this a Dendrobium?

[Lyn a]

I’ve been given this plant by a neighbor who says it’s an orchid of some kind. I want to make sure it’s potted right and that I’m caring for it correctly so need to know what it is! I’m thinking a Dendrobium?

[neophyte]

yes – it is a soft-cane dendrobium, probably nobile-type. there's lots of great culture information on nobile-types on the web. also, don't be worried if it starts dropping leaves soon – nobile types are deciduous, meaning they will shed their leaves in the winter. late winter/early spring is when they'll start sending out new shoots and flowers. and don't cut the leafless canes – for nobile types, this is where the flowers will come from!

ps: really, really follow the instructions on nobile care in the winter! resist the urge to water or fertilize heavily in the winter because this will generally discourage/stunt blooming. of course, don't completely stop watering either.

[aliceinwl]

Yes, looks like a nobile type Dendrobium. These can take sunny windows if acclimated to the light. Starting now, I’m only giving mine water when I start to see the canes wrinkle and no fertilizer. It’s a little late, but we’ve been having a heat wave and most of mine are outside in full sun. If I recall correctly, the directions I’ve read said to stop fertilizer in August and stop regular watering in September.

I grow most of mine outside, but lower temperatures on the windowsill were enough to get my one long term indoor plant to bloom. I usually resume weekly watering around March.

If you keep up the water and fertilizer through the winter, you’ll end up with tons of keikis but no flowers.

Mine like to be pot bound in a fast draining mix. Provided the media is good and there’s good drainage, it can probably stay in that pot for the next year or two. Yours looks to be big enough to bloom next spring.

[generaljusik]

Could someone explain a bit more about winter rests. I have Dendrobium amethystoglossum, bacteosum, green lantern.
I think I should stop watering in Nov. and only water once a month with no fertilizer? When should I start to water again?

Also, I have a Monnierara Millennium Magic "witchcraft"- my understanding is after the blooms are done(they are just now starting to open), the leaves will fall off and I do not water until new pseudobulb forms with roots.

Please advise.

Thanks!!!!