Kancy - Dendrochilum Javierri help

Hi,
I've been lurking but now find I must ask for help from the forum.

My Dendrochilum Javierri is going nuts. All the leaves are falling out and it was a full plant a couple months ago. It did flower briefly and then zapo.

I have a Dendrochilum Williamsii that seems to be doing ok. I have in over my sink, very limited indirect light.

The Javierri leaves just fall out at the base. I pencil tested the soil and it seems moist, didn't think it liked dry. It was a nice plant that looks like I have killed it now. Help! Kancy

Okay Kancy, let's see if I can help

Let's get some further info

1. what do you have it potted in? mix and pot?
2. frequency of watering
3. What light level are you keeping it at
4 how long has it been in your collection
5 when was the last time it was repotted
6 where do you grow, home, greenhouse?
6a if home, window or under lights?
7 humidity levels??

With this info I should be able to help you

If I am to guess...it has been kept too wet, either from over watering or a mix that is breaking down and you have lost the root system.

PS...nomenclature FYI...on species, the genus gets capitalized and the species name does not. Therefore, Dendrochilum javieri. You also have too many r's in the species name.

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Dendrochilum javieri (mis spelled the first post, but copied off of stick).

Potted in bark mix, in a typical plastic orchid pot
Water twice a week along with the Bulbophyllums (orchid farm does this)
Light is very indirect.
Have had it for several month. Enough time to have it bloom once.
It is located in my home, in a middle room with light coming from two rooms on each side.
Low humidity levels currently

I had thought about repotting. When I got it, from a show, vendor said it had been hanging in their greenhouse, not getting too much attention or care (sounded like my type of orchid).

When I ask my friendly local orchid farm owner...he said I ought to see how poorly his are doing and then I would feel better!!!
Kancy

Kancy, I should have also asked where you lived as well.

First your light is way too low for this species. I have mine under 50% shade cloth so it gets bright light but not direct sun. Eastern window or a bit back from a western window (nor more than a foot) would be good for this one.

During warm weather this Dendro appreciates higher humidity.

Yes, pull the plant from the pot. These are also sensitive to medium breaking down and that will kill the root system. I would do this as soon as possible. repot in a clay pot with just enough room for 3 years growth. (it is not a fast gropwer, so an inch extra arounf the plant will be enough. Use fine bark mix. I hope it makes it for you..it is a wonderful species.

I have found many labels with mis spelled names.

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Thanks Ron from NY
The other Dendrochilum I have is near East side window and doing ok. I just moved the sick one to the same location (though tight with other orchids already) and will try to repot as soon as the rain stops (my mix is in storage on the patio). BTW I live in Michigan where weather is always a guessing game.

I only have east and west windows in my condo. I have taken some orchids to the office when I thought they needed some other exposure. Then they die at the office and I don't feel as bad as when they die at home. Hum?

AS far as someone mentioning pictures... I have a cute little Phrag in bloom. Phragmedilum achental, rather small right now and sort of cream and soft yellow I think (my eyes are not what they use to be).

Rain is stopping, must go repot! Kancy

let me know how the roots looked

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I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe.