dendrobium christyanum dropped leaves
 

hello all,

Looking for insight into a den christyanum... small mounted guy that I've been growing outdoors on my balcony that my vendor says can handle cold nights here in CA... I reduced water as well in winter and have been soaking or spraying just 1x week maybe here and there, it dries quickly, open shade with occasional direct sun depending on angle of sun... and it basically lost all it's leaves at one point although the pbs are pretty firm and green, there were 3x new growths which hadn't budged for months, then 2 just withered away... remaining growth is pretty green just hasn't started moving... think it'll be ok? should I water more now (it's been pretty hot here but just cooled down)? or keep it dry til new growth starts up?

I love the plant so much i just got another one to prep if this one passes, but of course don't want to kill this new one either...

It's hard to tell without seeing the plant, but it sounds like it may need more water. I think Den. christyanum grows similarly to Den. scabrilingue, which I'm growing. Mine is mounted, and gets watered thoroughly at least weekly in the winter, several times a week when things heat up. Post some pics if you can. That'll help.

IOSPE says it's a highland cloud forest plant. That means it probably gets dew or rain almost every night of the year, including when it's pretty cool at night.

Thanks guys, if it's underwatering that's not a surprise as I'm of the few that really don't water enough... just watered them. ;)

I attached pics, not the clearest, but hopefully you can give me some thoughts on seeing them...

I have one of these, but mine is grown inside. I spritz the roots and a tiny bit of moss every day. It drys out each day so it works out. Not sure about outside care with the cold, ect. I got mine from Andy's and onsite it says "Moist/dry; 2-3 waterings per week ( let dry between watering)".

have you had it long, wintergirl? does it grow and bloom for you with that culture? those plants that supposedly need a cool dry rest in winter like this one i hear makes things a little tricky...

No I have not had it long, just a few months. It was in bloom when I got it. It still looks healthy and I have not lost any leaves. It looks like some new leaves are growing at the top of a few p. bulbs. It seems happy so far, I guess time will tell.