I would take the sphagnum out and just go with the cork. Is this bottle corks or cork chunks? If wine corks, cut them in four pieces.

Dendrobiums like to dry as you mentioned and sphagnum takes a long time. If you get them thoroughly wet when you water them, going completely dry until the next watering is just fine with the Dens.

Can you tell where the last bloom stems were? Was it from a spike near the tip of the cane? Was it from tiny spikes up and down the cane? Each of these two types require totally different care, so your observation will be important.

For Richardol - its bottle corks. I tried to cut some up but they were tough!
The last blooms came out of a spike at the tip of the cane (from between the last set of leaves, if that makes sense).

Are they goners??

*very thankful for any help!!*

Do you have a small serrated knife? That would make cutting your cork much easier. Just watch your fingers.

Tyler

Caroline, with the old bloom coming from the tip of the cane, it appears that you have a phalaenopsis type dendrobium. I believe they call these "hard canes". These den phals are NOT subjected to monsoons, so they don't need any severe drying out, and need to be watered year 'round and then not quite dry out. They do not need a rest period like the nobile dens, but they do need a bit less water in the winter because of the lower light. They also need lots of sun and to be kept warmer than the nobiles.

I see, Orchid126. I think they did get a bit too cold for a while because that window isn't very well sealed.
So.... will they live? Should I do anything at this point?
They're so pathetic looking!

What about the terrarium-for-humidity thing?

*thank you thank you thank you!!*

I wouldn't bother with a terrarium it just invites rot. These like to be on the warm side. If it has been in a cold draft and the temp around it has dropped low enough you may notice that the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. However this does not mean that it has died. As long as there is green visible it is still alive and has a chance. The new growth that comes out in the spring will have leaves. Keep it in a warm and bright window and it should be fine. I do recommend taking the sphag out of the pot the cork pieces should be fine on their own. Good Luck!

These are hard to kill unless they froze. Move them to the brightest area you have. Keep them fairly dry in normal room temps. Watch for sign of growth coming from the base of the old canes.

Are the canes hard or soft? If hard, they will come around.

Jane

The canes are hard (and quite shrivelly/wrinkly). So, if I take out all the sphag out and have only corks, should I water nearly every day? It seems like they dry out quickly with less of the sphag stuff...
I think I read that when the roots are brown, then there's pretty much 'no hope' for them. Some of these are like that. :-(

Thanks again! *so excited*

more! More orchids!!

Caroline, the best message for you here is that no one is saying your plants are a gonner. If you can hang in there a bit longer, the weather will turn nicer and the light grow stronger and the plants should respond. And then before you know it, the plants can go outside, and then they'll grow by leaps and bounds.

I also have cold windowsills, so I get stiff, clear plastic from the craft store and I cut it to pot height and if necessary I cover it with plastic wrap and put that between the pots and the glass, and this protects the plants roots a bit.

You might try the skewer method of watering. Get a shiskabob skewer and trim it down and keep it in the pot. When you think the plant needs water, take it out and touch it to your cheek, lip, or the back of your hand. If the skewer is dry, water. If the skeweris wet, don't water. How wet or dry the skewer is before you water will depend on the type of orchid.

Very cool Orchid126. Thanks for all the help. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but I'm thankful for you guys!