Dendrobium Hybrid ID and Care: Sunburn, Powdery Sheath, and Full Sun Mistake

Question:

Got Dendrobium (Sri Siam × Nuri Michener) × Sutiknoll free on eBay Feb. Leaves yellowed/fell, stalks shriveled/yellow-green, powdery white appearance. Roots beige-brown, somewhat firm. Transferred to smaller clay pot, cut damaged roots, dried 30 min, potted with root hormone + fert + Superthrive. Heard Dens need lots of sun—put in full sun. Afraid to check. Dying or April dormancy? Pest?

Answer:

Hello Diane,

Couldn't find your exact hybrid. Found Dendrobium (Sri Siam × Mari Michener) × Sufiknoi—photo: [link]. Looks similar? Assuming yes: evergreen Dendrobium family. Evergreen canes eventually lose leaves, but unusual for all to fall simultaneously.

General care: bright indirect + several hours early morning direct sun. 55–85°F, humidity >50%, light air movement. Water when media barely moist—don't let dry completely. Active growth (late winter–early fall): moist side; reduce rest of year. Keep conditions steady year-round.

Did you water leaves + pot before leaf drop? Wet leaves overnight → fungus → leaf death.

Powdery white on canes = dried leaf remnants—peel off (comes in flaky chunks/strips).

Clay pot: must have drainage hole—roots can't sit in water.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA