What are the new shoots and how do I look after them? Are...
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 week ago
3
Best Answer
Hi. Yes, they are part of the same plant. Dendrobium orchids are sympodial orchids that grow along a rhyzome and have clear directions of growth. That means you really shouldn't separate those new growths like you would, e.g., keikis on a phalaenopsis orchid. In time those growths (called generally "pseudobulbs", or, dendrobium specific, "canes") grow sturdier, and mature, and will look like the older ones you have there. They will develop roots and new growth points and grow new growths, and the plant will continue growing in that direction. Each new growth is a possible new direction the rhyzome/ the plant grows.
Since you seem new to them, i wouldn't think about dividing those canes. Though it is possible to divide the plant (for gaining a new plant or just keeping it smaller and tidier), it would be neat if you follow specific rules to protect your plant. For example, it's best to separate the oldest growths. But that is also not something that should just be done willy nilly. Sympodial orchids store a *lot* of nutrients in those canes. Even if they have no leaves, to separate them would mean to deprive the plant of all that. As for propagation purposes, older growths don't produce nearly as many roots as newer ones - if any. And you want to keep the new plants big enough to give both divisions a chance to survive. So, no singular canes should be separated. (I'm aware, you didn't ask about that, specifically, but many people decide to just snap off new growth for propagation and that is more than a bit risky, so I tend to stress that risk over and over again, just in case 😉)
As for talking care of them, ..... you do nothing special. Let the plant do its thing. As described above, most sympodials follow a cycle of growth (new growths, roots, mature growths, blooms, new growths... and so on). the only thing maybe is to take care not to get any water inside those fresh leaves on top. Dendrobiums are hardy in general and not really prone to rot, but those tiny new canes have more delicate leaves and perfect little spaces for standing water to gather and promote root after all.
That being said, you might consider keeping an eye on those new canes to see when new roots are starting to sprout from there. Your medium looks on the older side, and you might want to repot, making this the perfect time, once you see emerging roots.
If you want to learn more about this one or orchids in general, I always recommend miss orchid girl's videos on youtube. Whether you want repotting tutorials, general or specific trouble shooting, videos of beautiful orchids in bloom, or simply highly informative videos, she's your gal 😉
Have fun on your orchid journey. (BTW, next time you have questions regarding this one, you could use the #orchidlovers hashtag as well. It has many active and helpful people in there, so your chances of a quick answer might be a bit higher. )
Since you seem new to them, i wouldn't think about dividing those canes. Though it is possible to divide the plant (for gaining a new plant or just keeping it smaller and tidier), it would be neat if you follow specific rules to protect your plant. For example, it's best to separate the oldest growths. But that is also not something that should just be done willy nilly. Sympodial orchids store a *lot* of nutrients in those canes. Even if they have no leaves, to separate them would mean to deprive the plant of all that. As for propagation purposes, older growths don't produce nearly as many roots as newer ones - if any. And you want to keep the new plants big enough to give both divisions a chance to survive. So, no singular canes should be separated. (I'm aware, you didn't ask about that, specifically, but many people decide to just snap off new growth for propagation and that is more than a bit risky, so I tend to stress that risk over and over again, just in case 😉)
As for talking care of them, ..... you do nothing special. Let the plant do its thing. As described above, most sympodials follow a cycle of growth (new growths, roots, mature growths, blooms, new growths... and so on). the only thing maybe is to take care not to get any water inside those fresh leaves on top. Dendrobiums are hardy in general and not really prone to rot, but those tiny new canes have more delicate leaves and perfect little spaces for standing water to gather and promote root after all.
That being said, you might consider keeping an eye on those new canes to see when new roots are starting to sprout from there. Your medium looks on the older side, and you might want to repot, making this the perfect time, once you see emerging roots.
If you want to learn more about this one or orchids in general, I always recommend miss orchid girl's videos on youtube. Whether you want repotting tutorials, general or specific trouble shooting, videos of beautiful orchids in bloom, or simply highly informative videos, she's your gal 😉
Have fun on your orchid journey. (BTW, next time you have questions regarding this one, you could use the #orchidlovers hashtag as well. It has many active and helpful people in there, so your chances of a quick answer might be a bit higher. )
Thank you so much for your comprehensive answer. She still has a few blooms, should I repot now, or wait until the blooms have all gone. I’m not going to split her, I think she will look even more beautiful with the extra canes. I am very new to plant parenting and it was this beauty that made me fall in love with plants, so she is very special to me. Thank you again 😊
It's nothing pressing, so I would wait for the blooms to fade because otherwise it might get shortened. Only use good orchid medium (premixed, or mix yourself with bark and sphagnum moss). And to make matters easier, I would take a look at miss orchid girl's repot tutorial. I'm not sure, if she has one specifically for dends, but she should. I'm sure she will look glorious once she reblooms.
And one more Greg to tip: if you are people on here, adding their handle (e.g. @musicalredmint ) might help. Otherwise the people might not be notified and miss your comment
And one more Greg to tip: if you are people on here, adding their handle (e.g. @musicalredmint ) might help. Otherwise the people might not be notified and miss your comment