Need help with Dendrobium

[Sharyn]

Hi. I'm new to your site and I love all the great information it provides.
I purchased a dendrobium on clearance. It has four stalks and some new leaves sprouting from the base, no flowers, and was planted in a 5 inch plastic pot with spag. moss. When I got it home, I saw that the moss was literally saturated with water. I actually removed some of the moss and squeezed out the excess water. It's been a week and is still quite wet. Should I repot with bark? This moss seems like it will never dry out.

I'd appreciate your advice.

[mayres]

If it has new growth coming up from the bottom, which is I think what you are suggesting, then YES, go for it now. Remember that dendrobiums like to have their roots crowded so do not overpot. Put the oldest growths to the outside of the pot if possible and keep the new growth towards the middle of the pot, leaving room for another new growth to proceed in the pot along the same general direction if possible. I would soak the fine bark 24-48 hours prior to using. One of the challenges I have found with dendrobiums is that they can often be top heavy. There are many ways to deal with this - for me it works to put my plastic potted plants inside a heavier clay or ceramic pot (except when watering). You will want to give it as much light as you can this time of year. Good luck - mike

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Growing in moss is fine during the growing season, as Dens like lots of water while growing. But come winter when they have stopped growing and have finished or not yet started blooming, they like to be really dry, like going a week or more dry. So, I think bark would be better. Medium bark or fine bark is OK, but if you use the fine bark you have to be particularly carfull to use the smallest pot possible, as fine bark will stay wetter longer. Note the Dendrobiums in the center of the picture below and how small the pots are relative to the plants.

[Sharyn]

Thanks so much for your help. The pictures are great and I'll follow your advice. This is such a great hobby and I have much to learn.l