First Dendrobium... trying not to panic

[eashortrdh]

I just purchased my first Dendrobium ever now that I've grown more confident with my Phals. It was labeled as a Blue Foxtail. I can't determine where the foxtail falls within the Den culture sheet from AOS. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm trying to problem solve-- the foxtail has yellowing leaves while the Phals are about to bloom.

Thanks,
Liz

[Alice-NJ]

Congratulations on a beautiful orchid. From the spike at the tip of the cane, your den appears to be the type that does not need a dry, cold winter rest. It will want to be watered and fertilized regularly year round, although in the dark winter months not as heavily as in the warm sunny weather when it's growing its best. It wants more light than a phal, but not quite as much as a cattleya. It will grow well in a south or west window, although you haven't said what part of the country you live in, and culture can differ slightly. These plants are good growers and very forgiving.

About that yellow leave, slip the plant out of its pot and check the roots. Dens like to be watered and allowed to dry before being watered again. If the roots look mushy and are too wet back off of the watering and let the roots dry out, and try to up the light a bit.

[Irma]

Your Dendrobium is labeled as Blue Foxtail because that is the name of that cross. It is Den Blue Foxtail which is a cross of Den arcuatum x Den Udom Blue Angel. It does not refer to a type of Dendrobium. It is of the type which we call semi-phalaenopsis because the flowers are similar but not quite as Phalaenopsis flowers.

I would not worry about the yellow leaf. They shed leaves once in a while. Only pull it off.
Follow Alice's tips on culture.

[eashortrdh]

I sincerely appreciate all of the information that's been provided. Since the original post, I've picked up 3 more Dens. I have also stopped panicing
I'm in southwest PA. My Phals thrive in the west bay window which gets plenty of diffused light throughout the day and.
We also have a north facing herb window in the kitchen that gets fair to moderate direct light throughout the morning and diffused light for the rest of the day. Any suggestions as to which window the Dens should go? (Sorry no south facing windows)

[Alice-NJ]

If you are getting so much light from your north window, it may not be strictly north facing. It may be northeast, which is even better. Dens need a lot more light than phals. They need southern, western or southwestern light. A west window should get the setting sun. You might try them in your west window. My plants here in NJ do well in the west window. And if they need more you may have to supplement that light.

Phals love morning light.

[Ricardo in PR]

This might be of help
http://forum.theorchidsource.com/ubb...html#Post36626
http://forum.theorchidsource.com/ubb...html#Post36115