Cane question

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Helen

Beautiful orchid Ross. My dendrobium is a phal type, and I have heard that it does not lose its leaves. Do you have any phal types? The fertilizer regimen you suggest would probably work for mine too. I know I have to increase light big time, and I probably have to water the bark more than the spaghnum

I took a guess on the class of the dendro 'cause the size of the pic didn't allow me to see details.

I think you are correct on the fertilizer, as most dendros are heavy feeders while in growth. I use MSU mix from FirstRays.com in RO water with daily feeding for mine. Also mine are right up against the glass (behind window screen) in south window with supplemental Compact flourescents for days like today when the sun isn't shining.

Here's what I found out about Group VI Dendros:

These are the persistent-leaved Dendrobium to be grown in the warm house. Night temps should never be lower than 15 degrees C in winter and 17 degrees C in summer. They appreciate bright light, although experience has shown that hybrids of D. phalaenopsis will also thrive in comparatively poor lighting conditions. They just won't bloom well (as you have found out.)

A reduction of watering after the growing period is necessary to the good formation of the inflorescence. Water abundantly once more when flowering begins (no fertilizer), then cut back again until the new shoots appear. At this time begin water/fertilizer until shoots have matured. It is essential to spray the plant during these periods of water rationing.

Hope this one helps.

[Helen]

Ross, Excellent info,thanks. Also, maybe you can help me. I just bought some MSU 12-2-14-6CA-3MG (1/2 tsp/gal).
I didn't ask if I could use tap water. In another thread yesterday someone said they have the rainwater formula. Can you tell by formula above if I can use it with tap water? Also, do I feed with this concentration every week? or twice per month?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Helen

Ross, Excellent info,thanks. Also, maybe you can help me. I just bought some MSU 12-2-14-6CA-3MG (1/2 tsp/gal).
I didn't ask if I could use tap water. In another thread yesterday someone said they have the rainwater formula. Can you tell by formula above if I can use it with tap water? Also, do I feed with this concentration every week? or twice per month?

The MSU mix comes in 2 different forms, one for "pure water" (ie distilled/RO/rain water) other for city/well water. Which one did you purchase?

[Helen]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

The MSU mix comes in 2 different forms, one for "pure water" (ie distilled/RO/rain water) other for city/well water. Which one did you purchase?

That's the thing...I didn't know to ask the vendor yesterday. There is nothing on the label.

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

The only dendros that will rebloom on an old cane are nobiles. I have one doing that right now. The cane is from last year and it still has two leaves at the top and the buds popping out on the opposite side of each leaf union.

My D secundum is blooming again on old canes, is it a nobile?

[quiltergal]

Looks like my ignorance is showing again. I hate when that happens. I'll be quiet now.

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Looks like my ignorance is showing again. I hate when that happens. I'll be quiet now.

Not ignorance, just a misstatement. Actually there are many that bloom on old canes. Dendrobium are so diverse that rarely is any statement regarding them a hard and fast rule. Except for perhaps most all like a nap in the winter, some more than others and some drier than others. Even this may prompt a comment or two, as there are a few exceptions! Notice the hedging here?

[cb977]

I found this article recently and it is by far, the most informative piece on Dens that I've read...

(a warning: it prints out a total of 12 pages!)

Bribie Island Orchid Society - Orchid Information and Photographs

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by cb977

I found this article recently and it is by far, the most informative piece on Dens that I've read...

(a warning: it prints out a total of 12 pages!)

Bribie Island Orchid Society - Orchid Information and Photographs

Yes Indeed, this is an excellent series of articles, which I put in my favorites list and labeled it DendrobInfo. Some of the things mentioned to use, I never heard of, and I presume they are available only in Australia. Thanx for publishing this informative link.

[Shadow]

I saved it too. Thanks a lot!