Expert: Wayne King - 10/20/2009

Question
Hi Wayne,
I recieved an orchid and have been trying to figure out how to best care for it. I don't have any info on what kind or anything. The blooms were about the size of a quarter, and they were in multiples (similar to lilies of the valley). It's in about an 8 ounce container and a little under a foot tall. It has the main cane (flowering) and two side canes (short, but one is almost as thick as the main plant). Do these canes need to be separated into new containers? If so, how do I separate them without hurting the plant? I understand that the roots like being bound. Any idea on what kind of orchid this is?  What are the light requirements? Do I need to keep it in a window, or is a table  okay? I have north and south facing windows. I get light in the house, but not a lot of sunshine. I also have a couple of cats; they haven't paid much attention to it (surprising), but can the orchid make them sick like some plants can? I will be awaiting your reply. Thank you for all of your help in advance. Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle, the most common orchid that grows on canes is a dendrobium orchid. Dendrobiums grow their leaves on the canes as well as flowering on these canes. This distinguishes it from the phalaenopsis or moth orchid which is the most common type of orchid.  The phalaenopsis orchid has all of its leaves growing from the potting mix and flower on stems which arise from those leaves.  It is also true that dendrobium orchids like to be tightly potted.  This is not true for the moth orchids.  Dendrobium orchids like a bit more light than phalaenopsis orchids and like a rest period with little or no watering while at rest-- just enough water to keep the cane from shriveling. Watering can resume when new canes begin to emerge from the potting mix. A south window is OK as the sun moves to the south in the winter time providing more light in the window.  If you could send a picture of the plant I might be more certain that it is a dendrobium. As you can see, these two types of orchids like very different growing conditions.