Naked dendrobium

[gngrhill]

I got a Den. aberrans hybrid a few months ago and 1 by 1 the leaves have turned yellow and dropped off. The roots seem to be ok, so, I guess my question is : is that normal. I didn't think it was one that took a winter rest. I understood it to be a Latoura which are easy to grow.
T-5 lights 10 hrs/day. Temps 55 F nights ,65 to 70 F days. Humidity 50 to 70 %. watered and fertilized when due. Any advice or comments appreciated.

[estación seca]

I've never grown this but nobody is answering. I recall Andy's Orchids had D. aberrans on sale a while ago, and Andy said aberrans is one of his favorites.

This is what his Web site says about this species
Andy's Orchids - Orchid Species - Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick :

---Begin quote from Andy's Orchids Web site---

Genus: Dendrobium

Species: aberrans

Origin: New Guinea

a really terrific miniature of the Latourea section, 3" bulbs are swollen toward the top have 2 to 3 oval dark green 1" leaves with pointy tips, numerous wiry apical spikes each carry half a dozen long lasting 3/4" blooms, flat circular flowers are creamy white with pure white bi-lobed lip, puts on a great display, one of Andy's favorites

Growing Tip: Keep moist year round.

Blooming Season: Winter, Spring Blooming

Light: Shade; 500-1500 Footcandles (indirect low light, slight shadowing)

Temperature: Warm to Intermediate; 60°F min. to 90°F max.

Watering: Moist/Daily Watering; 4-7 waterings per week [for the mounted plants Andy's sells]

Miniature - Easy Grower - Vivarium

---End quote from Andy's Orchids Web site---

I strongly suspect your temperatures are too low.

Your light might be too high, and you might not be watering enough. But I would bet on the temperatures being the problem.

[ula]

Hi,
I grow a couple of Latouria dens, and I haven't encountered a "leaf drop" problem for this type yet. Your temperatures and humidity seem OK. Might be the lights are really drying them out (I grow on a windowsill in winter and have to water 2/week 'cause these guys don't like to dry out completely). Any new growth or new roots at this time?

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by ula

Hi,
I grow a couple of Latouria dens, and I haven't encountered a "leaf drop" problem for this type yet. Your temperatures and humidity seem OK. Might be the lights are really drying them out (I grow on a windowsill in winter and have to water 2/week 'cause these guys don't like to dry out completely). Any new growth or new roots at this time?

Nothing right now, maybe as spring starts to raise it's head something will happen. I do have it on a heat mat since last week hoping the little increase in heat will help. If I take it out from under the lights, it will no longer be on the heat mat. I will try moving it to a warmer spot away from the t-5s and see what happens. I'll also increase my watering.

[ula]

Well, I don't know what else to tell you, other than good luck and may you see growth soon!

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by ula

Well, I don't know what else to tell you, other than good luck and may you see growth soon!

I put it in a glass vase with LECA and water in the bottom so it will benefit from the humidity, (It's not touching the water), moved it to a warmer spot and less light. It does now have the tiniest new growth started (yea).

[NYCorchidman]

Two things I noticed.
Your temperature range sounds a bit too cold for this species.
The light might be too strong, although I doubt this.

Did it gradually yellow (clean even yellow) before falling off, or did the leaves develop certain marks first?

Something is definiately off because these plants keep their leaves for at least two years. Generally longer.

[Leafmite]

I agree with NYCorchidman. These like warmth, shade and humidity. I was told that this is what makes them easy! estación seca has printed out what Andy's says about them and it is correct. I think it will do better as you now have it. Good luck!

[gngrhill]

Thanks NYorchidman and leafmite. I notice since having it in the glass, it is staying more moist. Hopefully with the little added warmth and humidity it will come along now.

---------- Post added at 10:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 PM ----------

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Two things I noticed.
Your temperature range sounds a bit too cold for this species.
The light might be too strong, although I doubt this.

Did it gradually yellow (clean even yellow) before falling off, or did the leaves develop certain marks first?

Something is definiately off because these plants keep their leaves for at least two years. Generally longer.

The leaves developed a few brown spots then turned all over yellow them dropped. The brown spots were not wet or sunken.