help!

[dirtiesbird]

im not sure if this is dying or not, but as the pictures will show it is losing leaves all over the place. i got this orchid about 2 months ago and i dont want to kill another one, ive already killed a couple last year.
i have this about 10 ft from an east window, water it usually once a week or every other week, and mist it most mornings.
am i doing this correctly? is this look normal? the new growth seems to be doing ok, but i didnt know if this was supposed to lose its leaves so quickly. also, could someone say what kind of orchid this is so i could get some more specialized care instructions? thanks for the help!

[kmarch]

It looks like a nobile-type dendrobium. You could probably grow this one outdoors in Atlanta year-round.

Nobile types like to be watered heavily in spring when they are in growth (i.e. now). In autumn as the growth finishes, taper off watering. Keep it cool and dry in Winter. It can tolerate temps all the way down into the 40sF. Give it only enough water to keep it from shriveling, maybe just a light watering only about once a month. They typically flower in late winter.

Let us know if you have questions.

[dirtiesbird]

thanks for the help chief. i have found some info on that type and i think i will put it up against the window for now and water a little more. but is it normal to lose all those leaves? the flowers fell off then the leaves started falling.

[kmarch]

Yes it is normal for nobile-types to loose their leaves. Once a cane is mature it will only keep its leaves for a year or 2. Leave the leafless canes as they are, don't be tempted to remove them. They continue to store nutrients and benefit the plant.

[lmartiny]

Welcome dirtiesbird. I have a few dens but struggle with the bare cane look. Not sure they are one of my preferred plants. But I also have a nobile type den and so far still have leaves. But it is normal to lose them.
Good info Kevin. Thanks. I need little cheat sheet notes on the back of my tags to keep all this straight. That is a project on "the list" of things to do.