Should You Remove Old Canes on Deciduous Dendrobiums?

A grower asked whether to remove canes on a deciduous dendrobium after blooming, or if they would leaf out and bloom again. The expert strongly advised against removing old canes, explaining they serve two critical functions: they form the basis for new growth emerging from their base, and they store nutrition for future growth—neither function requires leaves to be present.

This advice applies to deciduous dendrobiums that naturally lose leaves during dormancy. The canes remain vital structural and nutritional reservoirs even when leafless.