Dendrobium Orchid

Never heard of this one before, Amy, good luck with it - I'm sure someone on here will know what to do :)

Nobiles can and should be grown outdoors in the summer. From the beginning of June to September, or when the first frost threatens. They should be grown in shade or filtered sun. When you bring them in place them in a South or East window, (South is best)
Nobile Dendrobiums like to be kept root bound, which means in the summer they will need to be watered every day. In September only water enough to stop the canes (or pseudobulbs) from shriveling, about once a week. Do not resume normal watering until you see flower buds appear on the canes, you may then very gradually increase the watering. (Watering in the morning with rain water or distilled water is best.) Fertilise with a suitable Orchid fertiliser. I use GrowMore 20-10-20 from mid January through to end of August, Don't be tempted to feed after then otherwise you will get all growth and no flowers.
Nobiles are cool growers and therefore must have cool night temperatures. To produce good flower count the temperature at night shouldn't be above 60f, until the buds appear, you can then keep them at around 62f-64f. you should them have blooms from January through to end of February. (At night you can even put them into the fridge, until the buds appear!) Remember that with cold night temps you must keep them very much on the dry side, this prevents fungus and root rot.
Flower buds generally appear opposite a leaf axis, emerging slowly over approx 3 months.
Repot every two/three years or as the plant outgrows the pot, using standard Orchid compost or coconut husk chips, being careful not to over pot as they like to be root bound.
Off shoots may appear on the canes (stems) and these can be potted up as new plants when they start to form roots.
Phew! I hope that helps..I used to grow these beautiful plants a few years ago. I hope you have years of pleasure from yours Amy. :)

Thanks Gee it looks as if I have plenty of advice in the next message to keep me going !
Waddy you are so good and helpful I'm going to copy and paste your information Thank you for that , do you cut the stalks down to above a joint after they have flowered or leave them alone ? I'm surprised at how cool the temps can be . wish me luck :o))

Good luck Amy with this.....

Thanks Angela I have a feeling I'm going to need it Lol...

Hi Amy, no don't cut them down, as they grow you will get more flowers each year. I've seen some Nobiles with hundreds of flowers...but to be fair these were 'Show Bench' plants. Now there's a challenge for you!
Unfortunately during their dormant period they don't look particularly attractive, but you probably won't mind if they're in the garden out of sight lol!

Thanks Waddy what would I do without you I was very tempted to cut them like an ordinary Orchid I'm glad we have good friends on Goy who we can ask about these things , the stems are so different looking like Bamboo canes and are very thick I'm glad I don't have to cut them !

Lovely soft colours

Very very lovely Amy and a great bargain! Good advice there from Waddy too, you'll want to look after this one.....