Q&A for How to Care for a Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium Orchids have the meaning of refinement and beauty. Orchids, in general, are symbols of love and innocence.

They are not toxic to either cats or dogs, although they may cause an upset stomach.

Although certain types can irritate the stomach, the orchid blooms are safe to eat.

They bloom about 3 times a year in cool weather. Their blooms last about 6 weeks.

If the shoots have several roots and are around 4 to 5 cm long, you can carefully remove and plant them and you'll have a new plant. My Dendrobiums are producing quite a few kaikis (the name given to these shoots). I find that you can carefully pull these new shoots off without having to use anything but your fingers. If you gently hold it at the growth site and wiggle slowly from one side to the other, it will detach, but take care not to damage the roots growing.

Leave the plant to recover, then trim off the branches the flowers were on.

Once a week. I use non chlorinated water, 1/2 - 1 cup of water, depending on the size of the orchid is best. Do not leave standing water, above the soil line.

The roots photosynthesis, but not at the rate that the leaves do, so it will not harm the plant if your pot is not clear. However, a clear pot is great for telling the health of the roots and growth progression.

No you shouldn't, because the old shoots store water and nutrients. Don't cut them off unless they turn yellow and start to die.

It could be because the dormant phase of the plant's natural cycle is beginning. Care for it as you ordinarily would when it is flowering and it should come back around to flower again.

Keep them in moderate shade, because that is the light in which they thrive in the wild.

You shouldn't, because the water droplets remain between the leaves and it causes rot. If you do water it with the sprinkler, take a napkin and dry the excess water off of the leaves.

No. Peat moss will keep the roots wet and they will rot. You need to use free draining mix specifically for orchids. I have even potted them up in wood chips with very little fine material at all.

Pick them off with your fingers or treat with methylated spirits absorbed in cotton wool buds.

You can repot after blooming is completely done. Only go up one size unless dividing or combining individuals into one pot. When dividing, try to keep three canes/division and keep the pot small. Be certain to pack bark mix tightly and the root/cane crown at the surface so that you can just see the roots. Steady it with stake and wire or rhizome clips. Water lightly, keep out of direct sun and resume regular care after 1-2 weeks, misting daily as needed.

Try changing the location. The position where they are growing may not be the best for them. They may need different light and/or air conditions. If that doesn't solve the problem, potting might be the solution.

No compost, no dirt! Orchid bark for dendrobiums. Also, no moss. Plant in a clay pot.

If they are cut flowers, there is nothing you can do with them except put them in a vase and enjoy them. They will not root. That's not how orchids work.

Follow the directions on this page and be patient. Mine was a rescue plant, and it took over a year to flower. I did nothing special but follow general orchid advice.