Question
I was given a large beautiful Dendrobium Orchid about 2 1/2 months ago.  I have been very careful following the instructions on how to care for this plant.  Within the last two weeks it has started loosing it's leaves.  First from one stem now from all the stems.  I wasn't to concerned at first but now all the leaves are falling off and the flowers are starting to die.  I usually water it once every other week and it is kept in indirect sunlight.  The stems are no longer green they are more of a grey color like they are really dried out.  Please help!  I don't want to loose this beautiful plant.  It is my first Orchid and I am at a loss.

Answer
Your dendrobium is a deciduous orchid.  After flowering, it goes into a rest period in which it may lose most or all of its leaves.  This is a signal that it has stopped growing and should be a signal to you to greatly reduce the watering and feeding.  Dendrobiums at rest cannot use water and feed and excess moisture will tend to bring the plant prematurely out of its rest period and, ultimately, result in a plant in decline.   The sole purpose of providng any water at this point is to prevent the pseudobulbs (ie stems) from shriveling before new growth begins as new growth will derive its initial strength from the old pseudobulbs.  I suggest you now mist your plant a couple of times per week so as to keep the pseudobulbs firm while the plant is at rest.  New growth should start in a few months and, when that occurs, it will appreciate watering and feeding as it is developing new roots to use what you provide.