Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I recently bought a Dendrobium New Century "Happiness" at the Pacific Orchid Expo earlier this year. I was told this type of dendrobium is deciduous, but I cannot find any specific culture information on it. This dendrobium has several canes, and only the 2 newest growths have leaves. Can you confirm if this type of dendrobium is deciduous? If so, do I stop watering it all winter?

Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Erin

ANSWER: Erin, your dendrobium is one of a group generally known as Yamamato dendrobiums-- named after the Hawaiian hybridizer.  It is a nobile type of dendrobium.  That tells us that it is both deciduous and cool growing and has its flowers emerge from along the cane.  When new growths appear it likes to be watered and fed abundantly.  The rest period usually begins just after flowering.  You may just mist every morning.  They prefer to be dry during rest and the purpose of watering is prevent the canes from shrinking too much.  Keeping the potting mix wet during rest will result in rot.  For that reason, if you are not sure if the plant is dry enough to water during rest, don't water.  They prefer temperatures of 40-65 degrees but can tolerate temperatures higher or lower for a period.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much! That is very helpful. I just have one more question. My dendrobium was in flower from March to April. After that, 2 new canes have been growing. Should I wait for these new growths to fully mature before I enter the rest period? Thanks again! - Erin

Answer
You're welcome Erin.  We have a catch 22 situation with the new growth. Kind of depends on how large the new growth is.  If you support the new growth, you are delaying the onset of the rest period.  Let's take a middle position and see if that works.  Support the new growth for another month and then force the plant into its rest period.