Dendrobium Looks Like Dead Sticks: Keiki Rescue and Cane Assessment

Leafless Dendrobium with Keiki: Assess Canes, Save the Baby

9-month-old dendrobium lost all leaves, left outside, found keiki on top of 12" stem + basal shoot. 6 other stems bare.

Cane Viability Test

• Firm when squeezed = alive. Leave.
• Soft/brown = dead. Cut at base.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous

• Flowers on terminal spike = evergreen.
• Flowers along cane = deciduous (needs cool/dry winter).

Keiki Care

• Leave until roots >2 inches.
• Twist off or cut sterile.
• Pot in 2.5" bark, grow near mother.

Mother Plant

Don't repot unless crawling over pot. Dendrobiums like pot-bound.

Firm canes stay. Keiki grows. Patience.