Troubleshooting
Lawes' Dendrobium problems — and how to fix them
Lawes' Dendrobium (Dendrobium lawesii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Failure to flower
Skipping the dry winter rest is the most common cause. Ensure a firm 6-8 week rest with minimal watering and cooler nights.
Soft or rotting canes
Caused by overwatering or excessive wetness during cool periods. Improve drainage and reduce water frequency; remove any blackened sections with a sterile blade.
Spider mites in dry conditions
Thrive when humidity drops in centrally heated rooms. Maintain humidity above 60% and treat with insecticidal soap if found on leaf undersides.
Keikis replacing flowers
High nitrogen fertiliser or warm nights during the rest can trigger keikis. Adjust feeding and allow a genuine cool night temperature drop.
Scale insects on canes
Hard brown bumps on cane surfaces. Treat with horticultural oil and remove manually; repeat treatment over 4 weeks.
Prevent lawes' dendrobium problems before they start
Most lawes' dendrobium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lawes' Dendrobium problems — FAQ
Why is my lawes' dendrobium failure to flower?
Skipping the dry winter rest is the most common cause. Ensure a firm 6-8 week rest with minimal watering and cooler nights.
Why is my lawes' dendrobium soft or rotting canes?
Caused by overwatering or excessive wetness during cool periods. Improve drainage and reduce water frequency; remove any blackened sections with a sterile blade.
Why is my lawes' dendrobium spider mites in dry conditions?
Thrive when humidity drops in centrally heated rooms. Maintain humidity above 60% and treat with insecticidal soap if found on leaf undersides.
Why is my lawes' dendrobium keikis replacing flowers?
High nitrogen fertiliser or warm nights during the rest can trigger keikis. Adjust feeding and allow a genuine cool night temperature drop.
Why is my lawes' dendrobium scale insects on canes?
Hard brown bumps on cane surfaces. Treat with horticultural oil and remove manually; repeat treatment over 4 weeks.