two woody stems, leaves high up

[sarah patton]

Hello everyone. Last November I received a beautiful deep raspberry orchid - I think it's a Phalaenopsis. I don't have a photo of it in all it's glory. Right now, the two stems are very thick and woody, there is a pair of big leaves high up on the taller stem and the lower one looks a bit dried out. I wonder if they need to be trimmed back. I am keeping the orchid in an eastern facing window, I water it a little bit every 10 days or so, I have never repotted it. I'm attaching a photo. Any advice for its care is welcome!

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

That is actually a Dendrobium. They are referred to as "Den-phal" or Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium but are not related to Phalaenopsis at all, and have different culture. These bloom from the tops of the growths, sometimes from the side (and can bloom more than one year on a cane). The cane with no leaves is an old one, but still an energy source for the plant - don't remove it until it has shriveled down to to a thin light brown twig. The one with two leaves is "mature". In the spring you will likely see a new growth emeriging. These need bright light to bloom and thrive, and warmth. When in growth it should never dry out. When new growth starts is the time to repot.

[sarah patton]

Thank you, Roberta. I'm excited to try and take care of it.

[greyblackfish]

Dendrobiums are rewarding and bloom a looong time. They require more light than what you can give it indoors but they will tolerate being indoors with less light, especially during colder months when they’re dormant. When it’s warm, a porch or under a tree would be great for them. I keep mine in coarse mixed bark. Someone said he waters his every day and gives them lots of sun for great growth. Dendrobiums don’t like to be moved and the leaves will burn easily if you don’t transition them carefully. I still haven’t gotten the hang of “careful” transitioning.

Anyway, I got some discount dens from Lowe’s and put them through lots of trial and error. They’re still doing great and give me lots of blooms.

[sarah patton]

Interesting... I live way up north in the frozen north east and sunny is not how I'd describe our weather. But I'll do the best I can.

[Roberta]

You might want to consider supplemental light - a full-spectrum LED lamp 12 hours a day in addition to what comes in the window, may be helpful especially during the short gray days of winter.

[FranningtonBear]

Originally Posted by sarah patton

Interesting... I live way up north in the frozen north east and sunny is not how I'd describe our weather. But I'll do the best I can.

welcome

I can totally relate to less orchid friendly weather!
I grow my Den. Phal's on west facing windowsills in the UK and, although I do have LED grow-lights, I don't use them for these and mine hardly ever stop blooming! I have one with 5 inflorescences currently and a sixth on the way. I'll try to remember to take some pictures this evening!

[FranningtonBear]

5 blooming spikes with a 6th on the way!