| Nobile dens put out a lot of Keikis even when not being fertilized. Then they can be cut off whenever the roots are about 3-4 inches long and re-potted.
One of my best, that had over 80 flowers, started Keikis even before the flowers were done and has close to 50 Keikis now. A Keiki I cut off at about six inches already has 12 new Keikis on it in only 3 months.
As to height of dendrobiums and light, while light may play a small part in the height of the final plant, the length of the canes is mostly genetic.
I wanted to say this because there are many short dendrobiums being breed now.
In Nobiles Yamamoto Dendrobiums hybridizes with the intention of getting smaller plants. I have a number from him that stay in the 12-16 inch range.
Den Lori Mortimer (a spatulatla dendrobium i.e. twisted petals) a hybrid by the University of Hawaii has never gotten over 10 inches in any of the almost 200 plants I have owned, although I have not been able to keep many very long to determine total height potential.
There are many hybrids being breed to remain short to avoid the problems, of which you are complaining. Growers hear your problems and will develop hybrids for our needs.
Most of the dens you can buy at a Home Depot or WalMart are the common Den-Phals being breed for cut flowers. To find smaller growing plants you will have to do some homework but they are out there.
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jerry  |