First Dendrobium from Lowe's: Rest Period, Repot & Light Guide

Dendrobiums from big-box stores are often evergreen types needing a dry rest after bloom. Your south window + sphagnum + constant water/feed is wrong for now.

Current Care (Rest Phase)

• Water minimally—just enough to keep canes firm.
• Stop fertilizing until new growth emerges.
• Sphagnum compacts → root rot. Plan to repot.

Repot at New Growth

1. Soak fresh orchid mix (bark-based).
2. Use clay pot with drainage—Dendrobiums like tight fit.
3. Top-dress with long-fiber sphagnum (resists compaction).
4. Then water/feed heavily during active growth.

Fertilizer Schedule

Your 20-14-13 is high-N—good for growth phase. Switch to high-P (high middle number) when new canes mature. South window OK now; summer outdoors when >50°F nights.