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Cut Back Too Tall Dendrobium?

10 years ago

Is it ever ok to cut back a healthy too tall dendrobium stalk?It's hard to find a place to put the plant and there are other stalks. How about all of them to about 6-8"? What would happen? This plant was given to me, had been in a window, and leaning aginst the window for support. I have managed to stake and straighten it a little for now.

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Comments (4)

shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
10 years ago
No can do. The size is genetically predetermined. But there is a dendrobium to fit. Dens are one of the largest groups in the world of orchids. They come in all sizes. Good luck.
jane__ny
10 years ago
Hi Shirley. I am guilty of cutting those long canes shorter. I don't think it ever affected the plant. The old canes which are not going to bloom again get cut. I don't cut all of them but just the ungainly tall canes about half way.

I wouldn't try it if there are only a few canes. But if you have a bunch of old ones, I would cut them.

Jane
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shirley-z-8-tx
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I did Jane, leaving the new growth for the next blooms. .
shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
10 years ago
Before the new growth blooms it will be too tall. So is it OK to have blooming canes full size and the rest cut back? If you have room for the new growth the you have room for the old canes. I think there are more than 1000 species of Dendrobium. At least a lot. And the number of hybrids is infinite. Without doubt there are plenty of dendrobiums that are small. Move the big dendrobium and let it grow to its full potential.

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