Question
Hello, My Dendrobium orchid has just dropped its blooms, which were stunning!, and I'm getting mixed information about whether to cut back the stems.  There are 3 stems total (2 still have flowers).  The first stem has lost the flowers and turned a brownish color.  Should I cut it back and if so, how far back?  Thank you!!

Answer
Susie, dendrobium canes should only be cut back if a cane (or a portion thereof) is collapsing.  Collapse, where the substance of the cane is gone, is the result of rot and the cane should be cut off below the rot where there is healthy tissue.  Seal any cuts with rootone or powdered sulphur.  If the cane has turned brown but is firm, it is fine.

One of the main challenges with dendrobiums is the rest period following blooming.  Watering should eliminated at that time.  You may mist from time to time to halp keep the canes from shriveling too much.  Watering during the rest period is the main way that rot sets in and dendrobiums are lost.  Do not return to your watering until you see new shoot growth from the base of the canes.  Tnat may take several months.