Question
I bought a Den. Dawn Maree x tobaense orchid from a show a few months ago. Loved the hot orange throat. However, recently a new stem has broken and I would like to save it or repot if possible. How do I do that? I am a novice at orchid growing and would appreciate your years of wisdom.  Thanks. Susan

Answer
Thanks for your question Susan.  Dendrobiums send up growths called canes.  The canes then carry the leaves and flowers originate from the canes.  It is possible to place a broken cane in a very humid environment (eg on a bed of damp sphagnum moss) and it may develop new growths at a node (ie joint) on the cane. This is not always successful but may be worth trying.  Once roots develop at the node, you may pot it up.  If you're successful in this effort, it will be several years before you have a plant with multiple growths which may be large enough to flower.  You may want to make a clean cut at the break and seal it with a sulphur based fungicidal powder to prevent infection.  If the lower part of the broken cane is still rooted with the main part of the plant, also seal the cut on that. It, likewise, might produce new growth. New orchid growth uses nutrient stored in older canes from which it originated so retain all canes on your plant.  occasionally, an old cane may reflower.