Dendrobium Potting and Light

[alanbar]

I have a dendrobium, (sp.), that I bought in February of this year. The plant is doing well with many new long roots coming out. I live in New York City and keep my plants indoors. Is it too late in the season to repot the plant? Also, should I keep it in under the flourescent light stand with some of my other orchids or put it in a shadier spot? Thanks!

[ksriramkumar]

Alan, Dendrobium is a vast genera (~1100 species) and each have their own requirements (light, dormancy etc) . Can you post the picture of the sp for us to understand what it is ?. There is no need to repot annually unless the media is broken down or it is under potted.

[JDT]

I would agree hard to say without pictures.

[alanbar]

Here is a photo of the Dendrobium. (Sorry for the background!)
- Alan

[78Terp]

I like the background!

I am guessing it is a Den nobile hybrid.

[alanbar]

As to my question, do you think it should be repotted now or wait until the next growth season?

[78Terp]

I'd wait. They definitely do not like to be over potted. Much prefers to be root bound. If it it was mine I wouldn't repot until the media starts to break down. If it falls over being top heavy, put the entire orchid and plastic pot in a heavier decorative ceramic or terracotta pot to keep it upright. I think my 2 Den nobile hybrids are over potted. But now 2 years later, growing into the pot now.

Just be sure to water all the roots in the air as well as in the pot when you water it.

[JDT]

As I live in an area where I have my orchids outside 24/7 I would wait until spring to repot, those roots growing out of the pot will be fine with the way you have been caring for it. As to the lighting that is hard for me to say as I have always grown my orchids outside being in Florida, that type of Dendrobium does like light but how much for you is the question that someone who grows them indoors under light can give you the correct answer. From the way the orchid looks you certainly have been caring for it correctly and if no one else answers that question I would say keep doing what you have been doing.

[78Terp]

I keep mine by an east facing window when they are indoors. They can be under lights if you don't have a good, bright window it can be dlose to.

[alanbar]

I'd wait. They definitely do not like to be over potted. Much prefers to be root bound. If it it was mine I wouldn't repot until the media starts to break down. If it falls over being top heavy, put the entire orchid and plastic pot in a heavier decorative ceramic or terracotta pot to keep it upright. I think my 2 Den nobile hybrids are over potted. But now 2 years later, growing into the pot now.

Just be sure to water all the roots in the air as well as in the pot when you water it.

Thanks!