Newbie dilemma: where to cut.

dsandow · #1 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 12:16 PM

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Attached you will find a picture our orchid which has not flowered in over two years but whose stems are still green, has healthy leaves, and has recently begun to sprout a new stem. After reading through several of the threads, I have decided to cut the older stems to give this new sprout all of the energy that it needs. However, I do not know where to cut the older stems in order to create the least amount of stress. Do I cut above the very first node?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. .Darren

#2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 03:24 PM

Your plant is a dendrobium. Those stems are actually pseudobulbs, which are called canes. The older canes, even though bare of leaves, not only contribute to the health and vitality of the plant, but they can often bloom. I would only cut them off if they completely shrivel. The old flower stems (spikes) can be cut back, though. If your plant hasn't bloomed in two years, try giving it more light.

heatherbear10 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 03:27 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't cut any of the healthy canes, either, I've seen them bloom with no leaves on them whatsoever, and looking dead. I agree, you should try more light!

flaorchidfan · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 04:38 PM

plant looks really healthy otherwise. are you fertilizing regularly? i heard you shouldnt take too many of the spikes anyway. would wait to cut until there are at least 4-5 old canes.

dsandow · #5 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 06:02 PM

Thank you all! I will follow your advice and not cut the older canes. About three months ago we moved into a new apartment with a western exposure and sealed in by trees. My dendrobium is getting more light and as a result sprouted a new cane but no flowers. Our cattleya is very happy and continues to flower. Since the move, we have begun to add "Schultz, Orchid Food" on a monthly basis and we replanted both orchids into new "orchid pots." Is there anything else that you might recommend?

**Cynthia, Prescott, AZ** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2006, 12:35 AM

For most of the common Dendrobiums, don't let the plant dry out completely while it is growing. Once the new growth stops producing new leaves, you can give the plant a wet/dry cycle. During winter, the length of time the plant should be left dry before watering should be several days to a week. But once new growth starts again, water well. There are some species of Dens that should never be allowed to dry out, but you don't usually find these at common retail outlets. If you should get a Dendrobium with a species name on it, you will have to research that particular species. I just bought a Den. crepideferum from Home Depot, so it does happen. This one gets wet/dry during winter, but not the extra days dry. A few drops of Super Thrive in your fertilizer water would probably be good for your plants. Cynthia

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