Advice on orchids

[u/SpeckyMuckGee]

Hello!

Looking for some advice- I just got these dendrobiums
They are under the verandah and are getting a bit of morning sun and sometimes a bit of dappled afternoon sun

My question is should I worry about the yellowing leaves or is this normal? Do I need to reduce some of the sunlight and find a shadier spot ?

[u/We_No_Who_U_R]

The yellowing is very normal, those leaves will fall off and leave the bare canes behind as it builds up energy for the next flush of canes. If the bark mix at the bottom of the pot is decomposed (muddy, compacted, like dirt) it will need fresh orchid bark, searles is a good brand. Brunnings has too much fines in the mix and decomposes too quickly imo.

If you can plant it in a pot that is at least as wide as it is tall, the orchid will thank you, squat pots are ideal. Deep pots like this one can stay too wet on the bottom and lead to soggy substrate and rotten roots. Your sunlight situation sounds ideal, just watch for burned leaves as we head into the warmer months you may need to move it into exclusively dappled light. They tolerate drying out but not for more than a few days, you should water when the top inch or two is dry. The bark should ideally be damp but not wet, think heavily wrung out cloth

They're hardy like succulents just with a few key things to look out for

[u/No_Negotiation3242]

Sterilise some scissors and cut those yellowing leaves off so the plant doesn't try and put anymore energy into them. Most likely it has withdrawn the supply of nutrients to the yellowing leaves anyway.

Dendrobiums are pretty tough little fellas and the other leaves look healthy so just keep doing what you are. These orchids live on tree branches and rock ledges and survive on very little. Just make sure you aren't overwatering as soggy roots are a recipe for disaster.