Troubleshooting
Dendrobium loddigesii problems — and how to fix them
Dendrobium loddigesii (Dendrobium loddigesii) 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.
No spring flowers
Almost always a missing winter rest. The plant needs a cool, bright, dry period after leaf-drop in autumn-winter; kept warm and watered, it makes keikis instead of flowers.
Keikis instead of blooms
Excess water and feed during the rest period, or too little light, push the plant to form plantlets along the nodes rather than flowers. Enforce the cool dry rest and brighten the position.
Shrivelled canes
Severely wrinkled canes during the rest can mean it has dried out too far. Give a light watering occasionally over winter — just enough to keep the canes from collapsing — without breaking dormancy.
Root and crown rot
Stagnant moisture and poor airflow rot the fine roots and crowded canes. Use a very open mix or mount it, water in the morning, and ensure good ventilation.
Prevent dendrobium loddigesii problems before they start
Most dendrobium loddigesii issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for dendrobium loddigesii in general rather than its problems? Read the full dendrobium loddigesii care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dendrobium loddigesii problems — FAQ
Why is my dendrobium loddigesii no spring flowers?
Almost always a missing winter rest. The plant needs a cool, bright, dry period after leaf-drop in autumn-winter; kept warm and watered, it makes keikis instead of flowers.
Why is my dendrobium loddigesii keikis instead of blooms?
Excess water and feed during the rest period, or too little light, push the plant to form plantlets along the nodes rather than flowers. Enforce the cool dry rest and brighten the position.
Why is my dendrobium loddigesii shrivelled canes?
Severely wrinkled canes during the rest can mean it has dried out too far. Give a light watering occasionally over winter — just enough to keep the canes from collapsing — without breaking dormancy.
Why is my dendrobium loddigesii root and crown rot?
Stagnant moisture and poor airflow rot the fine roots and crowded canes. Use a very open mix or mount it, water in the morning, and ensure good ventilation.