Question
Hello, I purchased a blooming denbrobium about 3 years ago. Since then I have had no new blooms and I have noticed that it has produced these tiny little mini plants at the top 1/3 of the stalks. Some have been successful, some not.I have cut these plants off and tried to get them growing, thinking maybe the mother plant is tired and this its new replacement. The mother plants are a tiny bit shriveled and look like there's something missing in their life. I only wish I could figure out what it was. I keep them in a north bedroom that receives morning bright light(when available in Michigan) it's cool room around 60*-65* but, more humid than the rest of the house. I don't mist it. I haven't fed it since august. I repotted it before I brought it in,in September.
I am really wondering what I should do about these shoots that keep growing on the plant. And how to make it feel a bit more happy. Thanks for your time and the clues. Anita

Answer
Sounds like you may have a warm growing or "Phalaenopsis" type of dendrobium.  When flowering, their flowers emerge from the top of the plant.  The presence of the "Mini plants" at the top is an indication that the plant is not receiving sufficient light.  In the house, you need to keep it in the south or west window where it will get the most direct sunlight it can get.  Do not water or feed it until you get a new growth from the base of the old growth (probably in the spring) because it is dormant and in its rest period.  It can use more humidity in the winter when it is dry such as from misting and a pebble tray. This will help to reduce shriveling when the plant is in its resting period.  The little plants are called Keiki's and may be potted up separately when they have their own root system.  Keiki's can become mature plants with leaves, roots and some even flower on the mother plant but are best removed and potted separately after root development.

Dendrobiums like to be tightly potted in their pot. You may want to consider repotting the mother plant after it has a new growth of at least 4 inches in height.  It should be in the smallest pot into which it can fit and be anchored so it will not move in its pot.

When you summer it out, wait until the night temperatures stay above 55 degrees and then gradually move it to where it gets more and more sunlight until it has adjusted to near full sun.  The reverse is true in the fall.  You need to bring it in during nights when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees.