Welcome to OrchidTalk Orchid Forums
The Friendliest Orchid Community on the Internet!
OrchidTalk - "Bringing People Together to Grow Orchids Better!"
Let us help you grow your Orchids better; Join our community today.
YES! I want to register an account for free right now!
Register or Login now to remove this advertisement.
This is a discussion on Antler-type Dendrobium leaves? within the Genus Specific forums, part of the Orchid Culture category; I bought an antler Dend. in bloom last summer and the canes had stout, dark ...
I bought an antler Dend. in bloom last summer and the canes had stout, dark green, oval-shaped leaves. It's put on two new canes since, but they're different. They're lighter green and the leaves are longer and more pointed. What gives? Is this normal? It gets regular fertilization and ample western light. Very healthy root system.
Could it be that those leaves are still young? Possibly a bit more nitrogen than it wants? Most dendrobiums prefer a little less nitrogen than most orchids...at least that is my understanding.
Posted via Mobile Device
Well the first cane it sprouted has already hardened and done it's thing and the leaves stayed the same. They're thick, they're just not quite as leathery nor are they the same shape as the canes it had to begin with. I'll have to look at my fertilizer when I get home.
Most probably due to lower light levels. Antelope or horn-type dens (that's what we call them here) prefer higher light levels than other dendrobiums.
I agree with Yew Sung. My first thought about it was that maybe it was not receiving adequate light.
cheers,
BD![]()
Longer, pointed leaves are a cardinal sign of lower than optimal light, it is also caused by the incorrect spectrum. Red and infra red light (the spectrum in the evening light) causes long spindly growth, whereas more balanced light (more blue light found in morning and mid-day sunlight)) causes compact growth. The same is also the case with Phals and almost all other orchids. Long leaves is an attempt by the plant to produce more surface area to catch more light.
Well, I guess it's receiving better light now because the newest growth on it has larger, flatter and more ovoid leaves.