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Dendrobium Nobile Orchid advice.

LibbyGreyLibbyGrey Posts: 9
in Problem solving
Commonly called - bamboo orchid.
I purchased one about two years ago. It had one cane, and was full of flowers. Some time after the flowers died off, some of the leaves died.
A couple of new canes had developed. They formed buds. So I decided to cut the original cane off.
Again, the flowers were beautiful.
Now, buds are forming on new canes which grew during this year. They are getting buds developing, but, the branches which had the last flowers on, are doing the same as the originals -no buds and losing their leaves.
Apart from that, the plant is in excellent condition.
I cannot discover why this is happening.
Also, all of the information I have looked at regarding care of the plant, state that it should be pruned after flowering. But nothing is said anywhere about how this should be done.
I know how to prune plants . . . but this is different. I would be very grateful if anyone can help me.

A greyhound is for life - NOT just for racing.
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    @Nanny Beach grows these … I’ve given her a nudge so she sees your query. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Not sure how your plant got to this shape,they are very temperamental, don't like being moved. We don't prune,hubby cuts off the old main stem I don't.tell me about your watering and feeding regime
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I can see some aerial roots in the middle of the plant so you could detach that stem and grow on.
    The pot would appear to be too small for that amount of growth and depending where you keep it, the stems will grow towards the light source.
  • LibbyGreyLibbyGrey Posts: 9
    Thank you both for your suggestions. 
    The plant is on the kitchen window ledge - south facing, but a conservatory the other side of the window. It has lived there ever since I got it. All of my house plants get turned regularly.
    I had wondered about repotting, but I was thinking in orchid terms, and know how pot bound they like to be.
    I had better not touch it until it has flowered. Do you agree?
    During summer, I watered every week and gave it a spray. And fed fortnightly. Now the buds are forming, I have started watering weekly again.
    If left, have you any idea how big the plant will grow?
    I am very wary about cutting off a rooted stem. I don't have much luck with that sort of thing.
    A greyhound is for life - NOT just for racing.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited October 2021
    They don't grow very tall, more stems from the bottom. I take bits off the bottom every year and re pot. Gave my eldest daughter one last weekend.
     I bought 2 from my osteopath, now got half a dozen, I've never repotted any into larger pots because I have I think 30 different orchids,they are in pots whose colour matches that particular room,so not an option.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Don't cut the old stems until they are really brown and look dead.
    They are still giving food to the rest of the plant.
    Keep the orchid in a humid area, on a gravel tray is the best.
    This time of the year you need to curtail watering but spraying is still good.
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    I have to say it looks very happy, I don't cut the old stems at all, they act as a food and water store for the plant, and my old leafless stems flowered this year along with the new ones. I think mine would like to spread out like yours has, but I have it all tied up to canes to prevent that.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    emmpet said:

    I am very wary about cutting off a rooted stem. I don't have much luck with that sort of thing.
    When the new plantlet growing from the top of a stem has formed aerial roots, it can usually be detached quite easily and grown on- you don't cut it off.  If it doesn't come away easily, leave it for a bit longer.  It will continue to grow if the plant is kept in the right conditions :)  
  • LibbyGreyLibbyGrey Posts: 9
    edited October 2021
    I would love to see your collection, Nanny. :) 
    bertrand. The plant lives on my kitchen window ledge. I always spray and water my plants with water which has boiled, and allowed to cool down until it is tepid.
    Skandi. I think I made a mistake by not putting stakes in. I am always worried that the canes will just snap off. And, I won't cut any more off.
    philippa. Thanks for the help re. plantlets. I will do as you suggest.
    I have another query. But I shall have to go outdoors for that one.
    Grateful thanks to you all for your help.
    A greyhound is for life - NOT just for racing.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    coming up,first is Odontoglossum,in the bathroom most incredible scent.
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