Dend. Kuning Paskel Hawaii losing leaves - Orchid Board

randy98745 · #1 11-13-2006, 10:44 AM

Hello All:

Someone dropped off a dendrobium to me. They were concerned it was losing its leaves. I gave it one good water and now the last 2 leaves are about to go. Is anyone familiar with this particular one? I've never taken care of a dend before and Im wondering if this might be one of the ones that loses its leaves for the winter? Also I was reading some dends need a dy rest between mid nov and Feb to set buds. Ive tried looking this one up and cant seem to find any pertinent culture info. If anyone knows I'd appreciate any info they may have. Many thx.

Ross · #2 11-13-2006, 11:40 AM

Can you post a picture of it? This might help because none of my references list it by that name. There are thousands of hybrids and all we need to know is if it's deciduous or not.

randy98745 · #3 11-13-2006, 01:23 PM

Gladly. It is at work so Ill bring in my camera and take some tomorrow. Thanks for the quick reply.

Ross · #4 11-13-2006, 03:29 PM

FWIW, if it IS a deciduous Dend., then you are correct to withold water. The amount you withhold will be determined by the condition of the pseudobulbs. If they are shriveling badly, then your environment is too dry and you need to water a bit - not too much! You don't want to bring it out of dormancy, but just want to keep the pseudobulbs from wrinkling all up badly. As for March - that may be your call - what I mean is there is usually a sign of growth when it's ready to "do it's thing!" Mine typically announce they are waking up by setting flower buds and starting tiny new green leads for the new year's vegetative growth. I usually wait a couple weeks and then start watering once a week progressing to daily waterings over a 3-4 week period. If it's not a deciduous version, we have another problem! Not sure what.

randy98745 · #5 11-14-2006, 10:17 AM

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Here are some pics of the plant. Let me know your thoughts. Thx.

Ross · #6 11-14-2006, 12:43 PM

I'm certain it's a deciduous, but don't know which one till it blooms. Let it dry out and in the spring when new growth starts (hopefully a flower spike as well) then start watering, like 1-2 times per week. As buds develop into true growths increase watering. BTW, I would get it out of the clay display pot, keep the plastic pot, and get all the sphagnum from around it and off the top of the pot. I'll bet it's potted in bark and the sphagnum is there for esthetics. You can set it back in the clay pot, but no moss. Also DO NOT remove the old growths from around that large one. That is where the stored energy resides. When the blossoms fall off and roots are growing strongly, you can consider repotting if you think it needs it, or move it to S/H.

randy98745 · #7 11-14-2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the info. When its dormant like that should it be kept in a bright spot? Any other tips? Also what is the name of the type of dendrobium as best you can tell ...so I can read more about it? the cross doesnt matter at all I just want to read a little about this kind of dend. Thanks again for taking the time to diagnose this.

Ross · #8 11-14-2006, 04:45 PM

I doubt the amount of light really matters (IMHO) but don't keep in the dark. The pseudobulbs have chlorophyl and keep some of the "action" going, so to speak. Keep it right where it is. I have NO idea on the progeny. Even once it blooms (here's hoping) I doubt we can nail it down to closer than the parents.

randy98745 · #9 11-14-2006, 05:38 PM

Very helpful again thx for the info.