Dendrobium Kingianum root stopped growing

[HHLL38]

I have a mounted Dendrobium Kingianum, which when first purchased grew new roots very well and has seemed to have taken to the mount. However, upon inspection today one of the roots has stopped growing and the white outer covering of the root has overtaken the green root tip. Is this cause for concern? Has it just stopped growing? There are three or four other roots on the plant that still have green root tips but have not actively grown in two weeks or so. I believe this is due to the lack of sunlight with the coming winter.

Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks!

[pk93]

Hello!
Im no expert when it comes to kingianums (only have 1 myself) however, I believe it is just getting ready for it's winter rest.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Probably just normal for this time of year, Sam.

Cheers,
BD

PS - please create a separate thread for different questions. If they are all in one place, the topic is not clear.

[kiwiorchids]

I have a mounted Dendrobium Kingianum, which when first purchased grew new roots very well and has seemed to have taken to the mount. However, upon inspection today one of the roots has stopped growing and the white outer covering of the root has overtaken the green root tip. Is this cause for concern? Has it just stopped growing? There are three or four other roots on the plant that still have green root tips but have not actively grown in two weeks or so. I believe this is due to the lack of sunlight with the coming winter.

Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks!

I have SOO MUCH OF THIS lol, it is normal. The root has indeed just stopped growing-probably a burn on the tip caused by salts in water etc, sometimes it is impossible to see, but it destroys the root growth tip. Give it a bit, and you should soon see some little green rootlets forming like branches on the main roots. Just keep your plant misted morning and night, and soak once a week.

[Tom-19951]

Kiwi boy, what are you talking about here? First of all, I would not recommend misting anything at night. Second of all, Den. kingianum is into its winter rest period now and it needs very little water and no fertilizer at this time of the year(Northern hemisphere).

Don't worry, Sam. I think Jesse's diagnose is correct.

BTW, Sam, daily question is not a good idea at forums... When I started to grow orchids, internet wasn't available then(at least not for the common folks), I did a lot of readings and research on my own. Sometimes. learning from your own mistakes is not a bad thing.

[HHLL38]

See, I thought that only the non hard cane Dendrobes were resting, I was unaware that Kingianum also has a rest period.

So I should cut down on watering?

I'll keep clogging the boards with threads then Bruce, if it'll help out!

I'm very OCD about my Orchids and since I haven't had a lot of time with them yet, i'm always concerned for their well-being.

[Tom-19951]

yes, you need to keep it cool and dry in winter, or you will have keikis instead of flowers.

[HHLL38]

I might not mind that.

When would the keikis appear?

[kiwiorchids]

Kiwi boy, what are you talking about here? First of all, I would not recommend misting anything at night. Second of all, Den. kingianum is into its winter rest period now and it needs very little water and no fertilizer at this time of the year(Northern hemisphere).

Don't worry, Sam. I think Jesse's diagnose is correct.

BTW, Sam, daily question is not a good idea at forums... When I started to grow orchids, internet wasn't available then(at least not for the common folks), I did a lot of readings and research on my own. Sometimes. learning from your own mistakes is not a bad thing.

Kinganum rests? Never known it to...always knew the soft canes rested in the winter. And i mist mine at night all the time and they bloom for a good two months! I usually do fertlizing in the morning and just watering at night to (when i fertilize once a week for the kings) wash off the residual fertilizer, otherwise it is still twice a dayl

[Tom-19951]

Misting or watering at night fall will cause fungal and bacterial disease. Experienced growers do let the plants dry-out before night fall.

Yes, Den. kingianum needs winter rest to bloom well. I am surprised that you haven't heard about it since you live pretty close to its native home. Google around if you don't have a good book or enough growing experience with this species...
Rest period:...In cultivation, water should be greatly reduced from midautaumn until growth resumes in spring. Plants should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but they should not remain dry for prolonged periods. Australian growers recommend just enough water in winter so the pseudobulbous stem do not become shriveled. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated when water is reduced. Growers indicate that distinct seasonal variation is essential for plant health.--Orchid Species Culture--Dendrobium by Margaret L. Baker and Charles O. Baker