| These gems are well suited
to Perth's climate. And may be successfully grown and flowered with many
other genera of orchids, including Cymbidiums. The following text may be
used as a guide for beginners, but these plants are tough and will tolerate
more extreme conditions as well.
LIGHT
My soft canes receive 20% - 50% shade, depending on where they are situated.
Give them as much light as they can tolerate without burning the leaves
to produce strong, thick canes which will flower profusely in the winter-spring
period. Under low light conditions, less or no flowers will be produced.
If your soft cane dendrobiums have lush deep green leaves, they are probably
thirsty for light!
WATER
I keep my plants well watered all year round. The roots never dry out
completely, but are not soggy. The frequency of watering depends on the
potting mix. The more open the mix, the more often you need to water.
Water very heavily in summer when the new canes are forming to maximize
the size of the canes. This may mean watering more than once a day during
heat waves. Watering may be reduced in winter to keep the roots just moist.
My plants receive winter rain.
FERTILIZER
Fertilize heavily during the spring and summer with
complete liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen at full strength once every
three waterings. Use only fertilizers high in phosphorous and potassium
in autumn once a week to harden the canes and promote flowering. Excess
nitrogen in autumn results in the growth of keikis (aerial growths) instead
of flowers.
POTTING MIX
I use several mixes. They all work equally well. Straight medium sized
pine bark or pine bark with wood chips are the easiest way to go. If your
place is gusty like mine, you may like to add a layer of sphagnum moss
on top of the mix to preserve moisture. The growth nodes at the bottom
of the cane should not be covered by the mix, or they may rot.
Try to get hold of a piece of Den. Yukidauma 'King'.
It is a very beautiful and rewarding plant that flowers freely.
Patrick Wu
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