Question
could you please tell me how to care for my den. anosmum orchid? we just bought it at an orchid show and when we asked how to care foe it were told to see the gorwer in the other for but when we got to the other room he was on lunch. please help?

Thanks
Elsa

ps. it is flowering now

Answer
Hello Elsa,

Dendrobium anosmum is one of the deciduous orchids meaning it loses its leaves from any new growths of the past year and afterwards produces blooms along the leafless cane or growths.  Due to this, do not remove the canes because the leaves have fallen off.  

One of the critical things with den. anosmum is that it be kept on the dry side during winter, only giving it a very light misting once a week at most.  Do not worry if the canes start to wrinkle, that is normal.  When you see new growths emerge in the late winter is the time to begin watering it but allow the potting mix to become almost dry between waterings.  When you feed it, feed it lightly as it does not need a lot.  Use about 1/8 the amount suggested on the fertilizer container.  Depending upon where you live, grow it in bright sunlight until temperatures creep above 75, then move it to 50% shade.  It can easily take winter lows into the low 40's and summer highs near 90.  Humidity range between 30% in winter to upwards of 70% in summer.  It is beneficial if there is some light air movement also.  

Once the flowers are open, they are fragrant at night.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.