There are 3 keys to growing Dendrobiums everyone.
1. They do NOT like to be disturbed. I have had more success with them since I switched to aliflor then bark. The less often you repot them, the better they seem to like it.
2.all Dendrobiums perhaps with the exception of Phalaenopsis types and hybrids, like more water than you might think. They like Oncidium type watering not Cattleya type watering. Don't let them dry out too much between waterings. More even moisture suits them best. Look at their roots, they are fairly fine or thin. Compare to a Cattleya, Vanda or Phalaenopsis root. Fine roots need more water. Fine roots need a finer media. Medium grade bark mixes for example will not retain optimum water amounts.
3. With the exception of the Phalaenopsis type Dendrobiums, I found in my 9 years here, they prefer plastic pots by a wide margin. Clay pots may dry out much too quickly!
Oops a 4th point, they generally like less light than you might imagine. Perhaps two to three hours of sun is plenty. Maybe less. The more shaded my Latourias are, the better they flower.
I would be happy to share any experiences I have with Dendrobiums. Oh another point, for me they do not particularly care for mounting or a basket.
