Hort, who are these professionals? You will be hard pressed to find them. I've been trying to grow things for 37 years and still plants cark it. That is why we need an orchid forum. Sometimes you will find in posts little hints that make a difference. Anyway, it all comes down to conditions, conditions, conditions. Your Wal-Mart Dendrobium is probably a hard-cane, i've got about thirty of them and not many people grow them around these parts because they are considered "Difficult" . As for the disease, your plant is just showing what happens when conditions do not suit. I had one that grew too big, thought i would trial it outside a glasshouse and put it in a sheltered position of the front porch, sheltered position, morning sun. It declined! Moved it to my shadehouse. It declined more and then died. Your plant has declined to such a point that perhaps you should discard it and start off with a new one. These are the "weeds" of Florida, Hawaii, Queensland, Australia. They like moderate humidity, warmth, even watering, though slightly less in winter and sunlight filtered by some like shade-cloth. How can i tell you how to grow them seeing my total orchid experience is here? That is the real problem with orchid growing, you have to do some research and follow that up with some interpretation in relating what you read to your growing place(s). Even then many you try will just die.

I planted 3 "Fire Chief" heucheras in a total shade garden 3 years ago. Water them almost daily with a light watering. They have not thrived. They come back after winter (I'm Z8), but remain small (only 3"-4" off the ground) 3 years in a row now. They do set 1-2 bloom stalks in early spring, but are so small I have to struggle hard to even see them. My Lime variety got 10" tall, but died off after one hard winter. That was also a shade setting with watering every 3rd day. Maybe these plants want more sun? or perhaps more frequent feeding.

Monica, That is what I was thinking! Where are there ever any leftover PEEPS! You people are sounding like a bunch of mean, rotten, nasty -------- actually fun-loving goof balls! Hey, one of you texas gals that are part of the TEXAS TOUR, go and get some PEEPS if it is possible and have a roast and take pictures for us. That would really give the rest of us a chance to FEEL like part of your fun. Who's game for it?

Yay on cracking the code. They (Heuchera/Tiarella/Heucherella) are such colourful and interesting plants. Well now you need to add at least one new each year to make up for those years you missed out on lol. Go for it mazerolm! Good luck popmama!