I'm at work but I use whatever proportion the physan bottle says. I think it's over 1 T for 2.5 gallons.
I add oyster shells too once a year.

New to Dendrobiums and my first one arrived today. There are some 2 ft long old brown spikes on it. About 8 inches at the tips are dried up and brown. Should I cut them off or do the buds form there? Also what is the best medium folks like for Vandas?

Did you get a vanda? Best is no medium in a wood basket. Water the roots daily.
We need a pic of the dendrobium to help. There are so many different kinds in this alliance that it's hard to advise anyone without a pic.

It is Dendrobium moschatum. ,no camera yet. Yes, have a vanda tricolor. Why do you grow in a basket?

Ursula and Kathy, Thank you! Kathy, I didn't ask you because I've read your regime before. The info is exactly what I wanted! I know not to feed the dormants, but I wasn't sure about bloom food, or that weakly weekly routine. I did add some Physan to the mix last time, figuring it might control the spread of pathogens , as I soak mine when I feed. I'm using Grow more urea free (20-10-20) with micros. The only ones I used bloom formula on are the cyms. I'll try Ursula's way ( not the spraying) and see how it goes.
I had read about the Bayer 3in1 on DG but the the one I got says NOT to use on potted plants. If I recall, I diluted it more and used it anyway. So far so good. Thanks again gals. If I follow the leaders, maybe someday my orchids will look as good as your's do!

Carol, yours already look as good as mine!!

Most of the ones I've posted are new, so the grower gets the credit. We'll see how many are still around a year from now.

With all your research, I bet you'll do fine!

I agree!

And Janice - about your Dendrobium moschatum -
I have absolutely no experience with this one, but this link talks about "dark brown with age stems", so I would be cautious cutting anything off. They bloom from leafless canes.
http://www.orchidspecies.com/d...

Thanks for that info Ursula. I suspected it was a bad idea to trim it.

Thanks Ursula and Kathy! Great info. I did google it, but didn't see the stem info. Must the vandas be grown in a basket? Is it for the roots to hang out? (Novice that I am!)

Wait till you see Ursula's roots!!!!!

As I walk and sway them in the wind?
But yes, those Vanda roots like good ventilation and they get really very long and branched. It would be tough to cram mature Vanda roots into a pot without severe injury. Essentially I use a basket or a small empty pot as a means to anchor the plant to be able to hang it up.
I water them daily, I spray until the roots ( velamen) change color.

Thanks, Ursula. You all are helping me so much! I love a new adventure and learning experience.

I just received 3 orchids (2 catts in sheath and a tiny Den King in bloom) from Santa Barbara Orchids (first time with them). And they are planted in rocks. I was wondering whether anyone had any experience with this and what to do?

Keep them in the medium they came in. It will not break down. What color are the rocks and what size are they?

The rocks are grey and small...maybe the biggest is 3/4 inch. Alot of the roots are clinging to the rocks. Interesting.

There are a group of laelias that grow on rocks (I have a collection). They are called rupicolous.

Hmmm - there is no such Orchid as Dendrobium King. The RHS register lists 4 pages of Dendrobiums with King as part of the name. Is it Dendrobium kingianum?
This would be important to know, since their culture might be totally different.

I'm curious about the names of the Catts too.