is this normal new growth on my den?

[VickiC]

Good Morning everyone
(well, here in Alabama it is morn., that is)

I have a picture attached of one of my dens. There is new growth on all 3 dens that I have, but I'm wondering if the new growth on this one looks normal. As you can see, it's growing outwards instead of upwards. Is that the direction it should be growing? All 3 dens have new canes (is canes correct terminology for this new growth??)....but this cane (??) is more "mature". (By the way, all 3 dens look very healthy and have lots of new roots...just thought I'd throw that in cuz I am happy about it....just sharing lol ). Anyway, if you will please let me know, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[VickiC]

oops....I sent the wrong picture with my question about my den....sorry. This is the one I meant to attach:

Originally Posted by VickiC

Good Morning everyone
(well, here in Alabama it is morn., that is)

I have a picture attached of one of my dens. There is new growth on all 3 dens that I have, but I'm wondering if the new growth on this one looks normal. As you can see, it's growing outwards instead of upwards. Is that the direction it should be growing? All 3 dens have new canes (is canes correct terminology for this new growth??)....but this cane (??) is more "mature". (By the way, all 3 dens look very healthy and have lots of new roots...just thought I'd throw that in cuz I am happy about it....just sharing lol ). Anyway, if you will please let me know, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[cb977]

It's fine...just a matter of positioning. You can use one of those hoops that keep tall plants vertical or just let it grow if you have the space.

Looks good

[VickiC]

Thanks. I'm glad to know you think my den looks ok. I think maybe it would be good to use one of those hoops you're talking about. That way, I would have more space for another orchid (a new one, preferably lol) I'm not familiar with hoops, so do you know where I could get one?
Thanks again....and if you have the time and don't mind, I would appreciate it if you will clue me in.

Originally Posted by cb977

It's fine...just a matter of positioning. You can use one of those hoops that keep tall plants vertical or just let it grow if you have the space.

Looks good

[priz_m]

As Sue said, it is perfectly normal.

I haven't used them but I would think almost any garden store or home improvement store with a garden center carries them m

[Ross]

I use them on a few plants and got mine at Kelly's Corner: Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies

Think you could make one from a coat hanger.

[Leisurely]

Be careful Vicki, when trying to reposition the angle at which your new growth on your dendrobium is growing. Inmature grow is very crisp and brittle and can break very easily if you apply just the least bit of too much pressure. I have broken more canes that I would care to admit to anyone by trying to train them. The best plan is to reposition the growth a slight amount each time until you have it where you would like it. Or you can wait until it matures and hardens. Then it becomes quite tough and you can straighten it without concern of breaking. I like to use twist ties that come in a spool. Cut the length you need and tie it to a mature can at one end and the new growth at the other end. Over a period of a few weeks, keep tightening up the tie until you have the cane at a straight angle.

[VickiC]

Thanks for your help. After reading Jerry's and Sue's input, I haven't decided yet if I'm gonna try to move it at all. ?? I'm gonna check around locally just to see what is available, but usually there's not much to choose from where I live. I have to most of what I get online.

Anyway, thanks again....
Vicki

Originally Posted by priz_m

As Sue said, it is perfectly normal.

I haven't used them but I would think almost any garden store or home improvement store with a garden center carries them m

[quiltergal]

Vicki your plant's new cane is growing towards the light. I have a Phal. type Den that did that until I put it under T5 lights. The lights were strong enough that the next new growth grew straight up. So get those new lights up and running and it might be early enough to get these to straighten up on their own.

[VickiC]

Ah ha....so that's it....growing towards the light. I thought I was rotating it enough to keep the plant from doing that, but apparently, I wasn't turning it often enough. The electricians installed my new t5s today, but they're still not enough light, so I'm gonna have to buy more to supplement them. Just as soon as possible, I'll do exactly as you advised and move the plant there.
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Vicki your plant's new cane is growing towards the light. I have a Phal. type Den that did that until I put it under T5 lights. The lights were strong enough that the next new growth grew straight up. So get those new lights up and running and it might be early enough to get these to straighten up on their own.