Question
Is it safe to cut what appear to be dead dendrobium orchid canes? I have several new shoots coming up, but I have three or four very dead canes also.

Answer
Sue, dendrobium canes can be very deceptive.  It is not unusual for old canes to have lost their leaves and have colors ranging from brown to reddish-- depending upon the amount of light to which they are exposed.  The only test for dead canes is to squeeze the cane between the thumb and forefinger. If the cane collapses from lack of substance under this pressure test, it is dead and should be cut off below the deaad area.  As long as the cane seems firm, it should be left as a live growth.  Be sure  to cut way back on the watering with these dormant canes until you see new growth such as that described. Dendrobiums go through a rest period and can rot out if watered when they are dormant.