For christmas I received a Dendrobium. The standard
kind (this one is purple) that you find at Home Depot,
etc. for $20. I know the plant is probably not worth
saving, but it was a gift, so their are politics
involved... which means I need to make an effort.

When I got it, it was obviously in good condition. But
over the last few weeks, the plant has started to 'dry
up'. The leaves on one cane just shriveled up, and turned
brown. The others are following suit.

I have a couple phals, and a couple of phrags, and they
are all doing well. I have read the AOS culture sheet
and the environment, while not perfect, seems to be
acceptable for the Den.

Should I repot it? Is it just a junk plant that can't
be kept alive no matter what?

Thanks,
Chris

Christopher J Barown wrote:
For christmas I received a Dendrobium. The standard
kind (this one is purple) that you find at Home Depot,
etc. for $20. I know the plant is probably not worth
saving, but it was a gift, so their are politics
involved... which means I need to make an effort.

Well, you could always go out and get another one. Probably identical.
That takes care of the politics...
When I got it, it was obviously in good condition. But
over the last few weeks, the plant has started to 'dry
up'. The leaves on one cane just shriveled up, and turned
brown. The others are following suit.


The big box stores aren't really in the business of selling plants that
will live forever. They'd really rather you are satisfied with the
plant for just long enough to desire a new one, and then buy a
replacement. Orchid plants generally receive minimal care while at the
store. You might be able to save it. Start by unpotting it and seeing
if it has any roots left. If it does, repot it. If it doesn't,
pitch it. It should grow pretty well under the conditions that
phalaenopsis and phrags grow in.

Have fun

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a) See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit

LittlefrogFarm - Growing the plants Rob likes. )