Troubleshooting
Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium problems — and how to fix them
Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium (Dendrobium bigibbum) 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 flower spike
Insufficient light or lack of a slightly cooler, drier winter rest. Give brighter light through the year and ease watering and feeding in winter to cue autumn flowering.
Bud blast
Tall Den-Phal spikes drop buds with sudden temperature drops, dry air, or being moved while in bud. Keep warm, humid, and stable once buds form, and stake the spike.
Base / cane rot
Overwatering, a too-large pot, or poor drainage rot the cane bases. Use a snug pot and coarse mix, and keep drier in winter.
Spider mites and scale
Warm dry indoor air invites mites (stippled, silvery leaves) and scale on canes. Inspect regularly, wipe foliage, and treat with horticultural soap or oil.
Prevent phalaenopsis-type dendrobium problems before they start
Most phalaenopsis-type dendrobium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for phalaenopsis-type dendrobium in general rather than its problems? Read the full phalaenopsis-type dendrobium care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium problems — FAQ
Why is my phalaenopsis-type dendrobium no flower spike?
Insufficient light or lack of a slightly cooler, drier winter rest. Give brighter light through the year and ease watering and feeding in winter to cue autumn flowering.
Why is my phalaenopsis-type dendrobium bud blast?
Tall Den-Phal spikes drop buds with sudden temperature drops, dry air, or being moved while in bud. Keep warm, humid, and stable once buds form, and stake the spike.
Why is my phalaenopsis-type dendrobium base / cane rot?
Overwatering, a too-large pot, or poor drainage rot the cane bases. Use a snug pot and coarse mix, and keep drier in winter.
Why is my phalaenopsis-type dendrobium spider mites and scale?
Warm dry indoor air invites mites (stippled, silvery leaves) and scale on canes. Inspect regularly, wipe foliage, and treat with horticultural soap or oil.