Question From:
Eva Paull in Derby, Derby WA
Nature of problem:
Dendrobium orchid has lost its vigour.
Type of Plant (if known):
Dendrobium orchid.
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Plant has lost its vigour. Leaves are dull and droopy not stiff and upright.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Pindan sand, undertree litter and generic potting mix of a black sandy type.
How often do you water the plant:
Once a week.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Eight
What type of plant is it:
Dendrobium – white. Leaves stiff and strappy with pointed ends.
How long since you planted it:
4 years. 2 years in a pot and then 2 years in a bathtub.
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Hortico orchid food – Fertilised around 2 months ago.
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
I used to have this orchid in a small pot and it looked like it was going to burst the pot so I transplanted it into an old bathtub. It has never really thrived in the bathtub although it does throw out a very poor branchlet of flowers every now and then.
Answer: Hi Eva, Try putting it back into a pot just big enough to fit the roots into. Use ordinary orchid compost from the nursery or hardware store. Filtered sun is best. Don