Watering Dendrobiums

[zuri]

Hi,

I have a phal and six little dendrobiums and one unknown (a bigger dendrobium? maybe you guys can help). I started with the phal and then had so much fun trying to learn how to make it happy that I ordered these little guys from e-bay, figuring that trying to raise up my own orchids to flower might be the best way to learn how to care for them.

In any case, I'm not sure how to best care for my dendrobiums. I have them potted in medium bark with a little sphagnum moss on top and have been watering them every 4 or 5 days. Some of the leaves are yellowing. Not sure if this is because they're getting too much light (they're in a corner having a south and east-facing windows but a large juniper bush keeps the direct mid-day sun from hitting them, tho they do get some direct morning and late afternoon light); or because I'm watering too much (though i've checked their roots and they aren't staying wet for long); or maybe just because when they got here some of them were a little unhealthy looking. (I got them from AsiaBill, I've noticed that some of you are familiar with him.)

I'm including a picture. It's not the best picture but my camera's almost out of batteries so it's the best I can do for now.

What are your opinions? Too much light? How much water is appropriate? Do they like to dry out between waterings? And does anyone know what the taller, medium sized plant is in the back?

[brookn]

Those are all Denrobiums. They don't look too bad, the medium looks a little dry. Those look great compared to some of the ones I have gotten from him, but he is cheap, cheap, cheap. I think, that 4-5 days is probably too long for the smaller ones, orchids in small pots like those dry out pretty quickly like 2-3 days. Dends are practically weeds, and easy to grow for the most part, sometimes they seem to grow really slow lol. The yellow leaves don't worry me so much, Dends drop leaves, and yours have been on an adventure across country, and now they need to adjust to your conditions, so it is to be expected.

Okay what I do see is this, mixing sphag in with bark doesn't work all that well, I know cause I did it also. It creates pockets where the roots are moist in spots, and dry in others, and it did not work for me at all. My Dends are in bark or s/h, but with the little ones you could go pure sphag, and that would keep you from watering so much, and when they get bigger go to bark. With sphag you have to make sure that it is completely dry before watering again though. Did you soak the bark before you used it, it is best to soak it at least 24 hours before using it so the core of the bark is moistened.
Hope that helps you.
Try these links:

AOS | Dendrobium

Skewer use for watering of orchids

[articuno75]

I agree with Brookn. 4-5 days is too long for watering the small ones. I water mine every 3-4 days depending, and mist the base everyday. (I have several from Bill_asia as well ) I also suggest removing the spagh. The spagh will only encourage rot. These like water, but like to dry fast too. Also was there a tag with a number code tied to the plant that you're wanting to know about? Usually Miriam or Bill (or their workers) will tie the tags to the plant or pot. With the number, you can actually look up the plant name that is on their website or on their eBay store.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Dendrobiums while in growth, like they should be now, can take watering before being very dry. Come winter, when their growth stops, no new primordial leaves at the tops of the latest canes, you want them to get very dry before watering.

[solay]

Zuri, I bought a bunch of seedlings (Vanadas, Catts, & Dens.) from the same e-bay seller. Some were really dried up and I already lost a few to rot or fungus. I used a finer bark mixed with perlite and charcoal. I also put some spagh. moss on top about a week ago.

I was over watering mine and now I'm using the skewer method. The pot feels like and dry but when you check the skewer, it's still wet inside. Just mist the top once in awhile but don't soak the whole plant until it is almost dry.

I lost a few leaves too at first but now the Dens. look like they are doing better. I think they will take time to adjust and make new roots. I find having the moss on top helps the roots form. Originally I didn't have the moss on top and the top of the mix dried up too much.
I will take a picture to show how the new roots are forming. Good luck to you and me with the seedlings. I think we have a very long wait for them to be BS.

[solay]

Here are my seedling that all have skewers sticking out of them. See the Den. that is turning yellow too? I'm hoping it's just due to the adjustment. The skewer method works great!

[jerrymeola]

I recognize the Dens. If you check the tags you will probably find they are Den Jacklyn Thomas hybrids. I used to buy 1000 for a spring show every year. They come in plug trays and overgrown. The roots are damaged in removal.

The Dens yellow and lose many leaves. Partially from the root damage but more from the genetics of the plant. These hybrids are grown for the cut flower trade and not to be pretty plants.

I usually lose 80 percent of the leaves every winter. My wife made me promise not to buy them again, even though they are very cheap to buy. She is tired of looking at them.

It usually takes 3-4 years to develop into a decent plant and bare canes are part of the growth process. The flowers however can be very pretty.