Dendrobium Dragon DYE

[r2wags]

Hello,

I was given several Orchids with a stick saying Dendrobium Dragon DYE.

They had been put in a large pot wit mostly potting soil. Two out of four
lost all life. I have repotted the other two in bark. In seperate pots. One
has new green growth at the base of the stem with leaves at top and the
other has leaves at top but know new growth.

As I am new to all this but learned about using bark from reading others
postings. Can I get some help as to best light and what to do next? I live
in New Jersey. Also I have not been able to find anything under Dendrobium
Dragon.

Thanks for the help.

[jerrymeola]

It is hard to identify the exact den with the name dragon. There are several laturia types that use the name dragon but I will assume it is a common den.

Dendrobiums like light from 2500-4000 foot candles (summer noon time sun approaches 9000 foot candles in northern states). If you are growing it indoors in New Jersy that means a very bright window. It will do very well outside in the summer getting half day sun. Morning sun is better than the hot afternoon sun. Sun levels are important for flowering and low light will grow plants but not flower them. A stressed plant should be kept in lower light until it reestablishes itself.

The roots like to be very pot bound. You did well removing it from the soil and the new growth indicates the den has recovered from the worst of its ordeal. You should be able to go 2-3 years before you need to remove the new bark and it will not be necessary to consider a bigger pot. In the meantime the plant will put most of its strength into growing new roots until it fills the pot.

Water allowing the excess water to run through the pot. Then let it come close to drying out before watering again. This can be 7-10 days indoors and as often as daily outside in summer heat.

New bark does not hold as much water as older bark so you may need to water a little more often. Dens are very tolerant and grow like weeds. They are easily the easiest orchid for a beginner to grow.

You can fertilize with a balanced (all three strength numbers are about the same) fertilizer at the rate of one teaspoon per gallon. Tropical plants are done at 1 tablespoon per gallon. There is no difference between tropical plant food and orchid food except the directions as to dilution.

Substitute one watering a week for a watering with the fertilizer. If you are only watering once a week then fertilize every other watering or if you prefer cut the fetilizer to a half teaspoon per gallon and use it every watering.

enjoy the plant it will be rewarding.