Den growth cycle

[tyger_lilli]

While my little phal is in poor shape indeed, my den couldn't be happier! That one was a Home Depot rescue, like so many of you are so fond of. My mom actually paid for it because it was in great condition, just done blooming.

I posted before about my fantastic root growth on the new cane (they're still growing like gang-busters!) but the leaves stopped probably about two months ago. I remember reading that den growth is very seasonal, so I've been wondering when the blooming season will be.

The weather here's been really weird this fall. About two weeks ago it was in the 90s on day, then it dropped to the mid 50s to low 60s and today it's back up to 80. What sort of temperatures will start the next den growth phase?

[11Orchid126]

The answer will depend on what type of den you have. You say it bloomed. Can you see where the old stub of the bloom spike is? If it's at the tip of the cane you have one type of den, but if there are a few up and down the cane you have another, and the care for each is poles apart.

[tyger_lilli]

The bloom spike came out of the middle of the cane. Is this the nobile vs. non-nobile den thing?

[Sharyn]

Sounds like you have a dendrobium phalenopsis type, where the flower spike comes from the middle of the top leaves. The nobile types will bloom along the canes. Search the Orchid Photo Gallery so see examples of both types.

[joan gero]

Tyger lilli,
My non-nobile type dens put out spikes from the upper portions of the cane, sometimes from the tippy top but other times from between leaves in new growth. Now's a good time for them to start spikes that will bloom, but mine have only recently really started dependably spiking and blooming after being outside all summer. Are your plants outside? On window sills? Under lights?

[tyger_lilli]

My den lives on a west-facing window sill. It gets a lot of light, which seems to be working out surprisingly well.

What is the difference between nobile and non-nobile types?

[joan gero]

Nobile orchids bloom directly from the canes while other den types bloom on spikes (that originate on the canes). Also, there are big differences in care because nobile orchids lose leaves completely and have to have a long dry period with no water, while the dormant period for other den types is less marked. I believe there are several threads on this topic that you can look up under the archived section of the forum devoted to orchid care and cultivation! Try that!

[11Orchid126]

In nature, nobile type dens are subjected to monsoons...six months of hot, wet weather and six months of cold, dry weather. They are also deciduous. Other type dendrobiums are not subjected to the monsoons, and are used to pretty even conditions year round. However, with less light in the winter, water and fertilizer can be drastically reduced. Both types like all the sun you can give them.