The one refrain I have found in Baker's book on Dendrobiums is 'wet while growing'. I can't think of an entry that did not have this. I have found from experience prior to getting his book, that the common Phal type Dens need a kind of rest. As soon as they stop growing and are not in bloom, I give them an extra week or so dry between waterings. I had a bigibbum that regressed to tiny, less than pea sized growths, and was soon to expire for lack of recent plant mass, that I figured I had nothing to lose, and dried it as severely as any nobile. The three tiny bulbs shriveled into non-existence, but come spring, I got a growth that was about 2" tall, the second largest growth on the plant. I also had noted earlier that when I had thought that my 'Pro mix' like mix was not working for my Dens, I discovered later that the mix was fine but that since it held water a little longer, they were not getting enough dry time. I have since had no problem with my mix, so long as I let the plants dry out well when the should.
So, my rule of thumb for Dens is, "Wet while growing, then wet/dry to some degree or another". This of course says nothing about what temperature a Den should rest at. For that you will have to buy Baker's book, but it is very easy to see when any Den has finished growing. Which ones get no rest? Those that are always growing. Works perfectly. I wish I could tell when my Angraecum leonis stops growing, as it also is supposed to need less water when it stops growing, but it does not open up its leaves to reveal the primordial leaf while growing. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
