dendrobium that is dying

[Josephz46]

I have had this orchid (a dendrobium) for 4 years. It flowered beautifully the first year and then flowered once more. After that -- nothing. Before I read about the proper care for this type of orchid, I cut back the stems. Now they are brown and the plant seems to be dying -- roots appear to be okay. The leaves begin to grow -- then, as they get larger, they die. I would really like to save it for sentimental reasons. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please check my attached photo. Any help would be appreciated!

[kmarch]

I'm sorry to say I think this orchid is gone. Your cutting off of the old canes means the new growth has nothing to draw energy from to sustain its growth which might explain the emergence then dying off of the new growths. Continue to give it good culture and hope for the best. There's really not much else you can do at this point.

[11Orchid126]

As kmarch says, continue to give it good culture. There are some good roots visible. This is the time of year that dendrobiums grow their best and like lots of water and frequent fertilizing. Perhaps you can put it in a smaller pot. If possible, put it outside where it will get some good morning sun, then strong light for the rest of the day. Then hope for the best.

[willowbanks]

Good culture is not going to cure a dead plant.

Josephz46, it's taken you 4 years to get to this stage, that's VERY good if this was your first try with a Dendrobium. I know it is hard to say goodbye to a favourite but in this case you just have to let it go.

Give Dens another try, they are rewarding and well worth growing.

Bill

[11Orchid126]

The reason I suggested that Josephz46 keep on trying a little longer is because of those goodlooking roots. I'll never forget when the owner of Parkside Orchids said that for some reason he had a struggle growing dens, and one day he got so disgusted he threw a den onto a pile of old media outside in the back of the greenhouse. At the end of the summer he passed by the pile and noticed a lot of green. Lo and behold, the plant had revived, and was thriving. Would it be so bad if Josephz46 tried a little longer, at least until those roots succumb too?

[willowbanks]

Dead is DEAD, waiting is not going to help this plant.

The white roots you can see in the photo are cactus.

Bill

[zaeem]

Dnt giveup!Those roots are robust.keep feeding nitrogen and root growing powder in water.though next growth will not be from the stems you have cutoff,but from the base of the plant hopefully.keep it moist.goodluck!
zaeem