Possible Dendrobium gift trans. to S/H

[tinabee]

A friend of mine is gifting me with an orchid. The way she describes it, it sounds like it could be a Den. I tried to pin her down as to what the leaves and stem look like, but she wasn't sure. I do believe she said this one was striped, so that leads me to believe it is not a phal. I've never seen a striped phal but I've seen plenty of Dens like that.

My question is, are there any differences with potting up a Den. as opposed to a phal., and how do I care for it in S/H/?

Thank you, in advance. (I'm still secretly hoping this is a phal!!)

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by tinabee

My question is, are there any differences with potting up a Den. as opposed to a phal., ...?

Yes there is. check out our Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis culture notes here on the forum or at AOS | Members Only Area to compare the difference.

[Ray]

I think Kevin and I interpreted your question differently. Here's my take:

The actual potting and watering of the S/H pot afterward is the same, but the preparation for repotting and growing conditions of the plants are different.

Phalaenopsis, since they tend to be grown more-or-less constantly moist, usually don't have to go through that great of a change in root system when being moved into semi-hydroponics. Dendrobiums, on the other hand, tend to be grown drier, so will likely need to grow an entirely new root system once moved into it. Because of that, the timing of repotting - best done just when new growths and their accompanying new roots are emerging - is far more critical.

This whole discussion might be for naught however, as there are lots of striped phals out there! Google search for same...

[tinabee]

Phew......I got lucky. It is a Phal. I potted directly into one of your pots, Ray. Poor thing was positively choked in sphag., but surprisingly, the root system was completely intact.

Ray, what if I do end up with a Den. that is in sub-par potting mix? Wouldn't it be better to get it out of that and into S/H, or should it stay in the original mix until the timing is right?

Thanks again, folks.

[HotPot]

If you are growing Dendrobiums SH style how do you adjust the watering during their dormant period or don't you?

[Ray]

Hotpot - some dens don't really need a "rest", but for those that do - nobile, for example - folks accomplish that in two different ways:

Some stop watering altogether, barely moistening the medium periodically and allowing it to dry out, while others continue with the fill to the top and let drain method, but using plan water only, with absolutely no fertilizer.

[HotPot]

I wonder if plain water from the tap contains no fertilizer like nitrogen, is the quality of our water always reliable?

[emilyshih2002]

Originally Posted by Ray

I think Kevin and I interpreted your question differently. Here's my take:

The actual potting and watering of the S/H pot afterward is the same, but the preparation for repotting and growing conditions of the plants are different.

Phalaenopsis, since they tend to be grown more-or-less constantly moist, usually don't have to go through that great of a change in root system when being moved into semi-hydroponics. Dendrobiums, on the other hand, tend to be grown drier, so will likely need to grow an entirely new root system once moved into it. Because of that, the timing of repotting - best done just when new growths and their accompanying new roots are emerging - is far more critical.

This whole discussion might be for naught however, as there are lots of striped phals out there! Google search for same...

I switched to S/P about a month ago. It seems that the Phals and Paphs doing really good. But some of my Dens have no sign of growing. Their leaves keep turning yellow. I did not know I should not repot until they have new growth. Should I switch back?

[Ray]

Try putting the dens on a heat mat.

Plants' metabolic rates are directly related to the temperature - increased temps mean faster growth. By putting that extra energy into the root zone instead of the foliage, the plant will put its energies into growing roots.

Dendrobiums will often lose leaves from the shock of transplanting.

Changing potting media is stressful to a plant. "Switching back" only doubles the stress; it'll still need to grow new roots, so why not coax it into doing so in the cultural method and medium of choice?

[emilyshih2002]

Thanks for your suggestion. I will put in more heat around the root zone.