Dendrobium Orchid Has Lost Its Vigour

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