Yellowing Dendrobium Leaves

[OopieB]

Hi. I have a dendrobium with several "stalks" and many leaves. Some of the leaves have what I now know are freckles, so I know that is okay, but some of the leaves are now turning yellow. This plant has been in the same spot under the same conditions for one year with no problems. Do you know what might be going on and how I can correct it? Thank you!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

This is the season for Dens to loose leaves if that is part of their pattern. Some loose all their leaves every year, some loose the 2 year old leaves, and some, tho not really very many, hold theirs 3 or more seasons. It is probably nothing to worry about, unless the plant has held 3 or more years of leaves and is now loosing all of them. Sometimes, under very favorable conditions, Dens will hold leaves longer, and then when we grow then under less favorable, but OK conditions, they loose extra leaves and then normally hold them for a shorter length of time. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[OopieB]

Thank you!

[hanadr]

I have a dendrobium earsakul that I received unbloomed in december and now its starting to turn yellow.

Is this part of its pattern?
When should it be blooming?
Should I fertilize?
Does it require more shade than phaelops?

I have it in my solarium and I wasn't sure if the lengthening days of early spring were turning them yellow prematurely. Any tips on how to care for this dendrob would be greatly appreciated. I'm a newbie to dendrobs and I'm alarmed as all my phaelops are blooming and quite happy....



Thanks!

[hanadr]

btw,

the i.d. tag that came with it says:

"Dendrobium Earsakul (D-Size) (A-146) KU/01/C"

Anyone know what the heck that means?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

It looks like this is an, as yet, unregistered hybrid. Two things to look for. Is the yellowing only on the oldest canes? The growth is normally in a chain pattern, with newer growths coming out of the base of older growths. Look at the pattern at the base and you should be able to tell which way it is growing, and therefore, which are the oldest canes. Or, are the leaves yellowing only on the lowest part of the canes. These are two normal processes for many Dens. The other thing to look for is the thickness of the leaves. If they are stiff and leathery, you probably have one of the warm growing Phalaenopsis type Dens. These stay warm all year. If the leaves are thin and floppy/flexable, it is probably a nobile type, which likes to be very cool during winter. Both types need much less water in winter, so let them dry out good between waterings, they like high light, more than Phals, and they don't want to be fertilized when they are not growing, especially not in winter. Cynthia