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Originally Posted by mayres  Dendrobiums put out new growth along a lateral line - usually just under the surface of the media |
Some varieties of Dendrobium clump or have other growth habits too. I've always potted mine so the new growths come at the surface of the mix, never under it. This prevents moisture from being held at the tender new shoot and helps to prevent rot.
You'll notice in mayres' photo what appears to be a "stair step" kind of climbing habit. Some Den species grow up tree trunks or rocky cliff faces and therefore exhibit this climbing habit. Usually in hybrids this habit gets "washed out" in the gene mix.