AboutWayne King Expertise Any question about orchid culture. I have thirty+ yrs of growing experience,president 2x of our local Orchid Growers Guild,held a position in most all other offices associated with the Guild at one time or another. Head of Orchid judging team for local club meetings and some shows. Member of two Orchid Socities and local Rep.for Mid America Orchid Congress for several yrs.I have in my collection about 800 Orchid plants of all types.
Experience
Past/Present clients Previously an expert on expertcentral.com.
Question Hello, My Dendrobium orchid has just dropped its blooms, which were stunning!, and I'm getting mixed information about whether to cut back the stems. There are 3 stems total (2 still have flowers). The first stem has lost the flowers and turned a brownish color. Should I cut it back and if so, how far back? Thank you!!
Answer Susie, dendrobium canes should only be cut back if a cane (or a portion thereof) is collapsing. Collapse, where the substance of the cane is gone, is the result of rot and the cane should be cut off below the rot where there is healthy tissue. Seal any cuts with rootone or powdered sulphur. If the cane has turned brown but is firm, it is fine.
One of the main challenges with dendrobiums is the rest period following blooming. Watering should eliminated at that time. You may mist from time to time to halp keep the canes from shriveling too much. Watering during the rest period is the main way that rot sets in and dendrobiums are lost. Do not return to your watering until you see new shoot growth from the base of the canes. Tnat may take several months.
