Help! I don't want to kill it!

[Jobst]

I live in Southern California - near Redlands. I recently bought a stunning Dendrobium Chaopraya in Oceanside, Ca, where it was propigated in an orchid house. When I bought it, the stems were strong and full, now, a week later, (meticulously following the instructions given to me), the stems dont' seem as full and have long, length-wise ridges in them. I don't want to fuss, and I don't want to over-water, but I don't want it to slowly die a torturous death! Please advise me about what's normal for this plant and what to do to keep it healthy and happy!!!!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I am not sure which type of Den hybrid you have. If it was in flower when you bought it, were the flowers coming out of the top of the canes as long sprays(Phalaenopsis type), Or were they on very short stems coming off the side of the canes in several places along the cane (nobile type)? During summer, or as soon as new growths start, both types can be watered before they are completely dry. When the new growths mature and you don't see any new leaves developing at the tops of these growths, it is time to let the plants dry between waterings. In fact, as winter progresses, you water to leave them dry for several days to a week. An occasional misting is OK, but not water in the pot. For the nobiles, you want them to cool off during winter. This will help them set flowers, and not a lot of keikis (baby plants). Phal types stay warm all year. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jerrymeola]

Dendrobium Chaopraya to the best of my knowledge is a blue fragrant den Phalaenopsis type. It is grown in Hawaii and Thailand as cut flowers.

The long ridges in the canes (I assume what you are calling stems are the canes on which leaves grow - stems usually refers to flower stems) are very common in these orchids and only newly growing canes will be full and plump. Moving the plant from the nursery to your home stresses it somewhat but the ridging in the canes would occur anyway but probably not as fast. It usually happens after flowering.

If the plant is in flower you should see new growth starting 4-6 weeks after the plant drops its last flowers. I always judge the health of a plant by the condition of the new growth. A lot of very fancy dens in my shade house look a lot worst than what you describe, but they are healthy.

Enjoy the plant.

[Jobst]

Thanks you both for the tips - I just want to make sure that I am doing things right! I don't ususally purchase plants which take a lot of effort, but this was so beautiful!!! I really appreciate the help and hope I can post next time I have a question!!! Maybe someday, I'll be able to answer someone else question!!!!