What to do with this dendrobium?

[meateater]

Had it for a few years, bloomed during the first two and no more flowers ever since, but grew into this rather big pot of stems and roots. Tried yanking it out for repot but no luck. What's the best approach for this plant?

 

[nepnewbie]

Meateater, that is a healthy Nobile type Dendrobium. I notice your plant is producing keikis, this is often the result of not getting the plant to really go into dormancy in late fall. Unless the potting medium has soured, I'd leave it as-is. How much sun and fertiliser is it getting when in active growth? Dendrobium nobile types flower better when pot bound. They can go outside from June to late September, or even later depending on your location (avoid frosts).They benefit from the brighter light in summer, just short of burning the foliage. When in active growth, water the plant whenever the medium is approaching dryness. By November, the newest canes should have completed their growth, and finished up with a small terminal leaf. This is when you cut back on water, only giving barely enough to keep the canes from shrivelling (once every two or three weeks). Cool, bright conditions ought to help with flower production, which is why many people keep their plants outside for as long as possible before bringing them in to a cool area for winter. Looking forward to seeing it in bloom!

 

[meateater]

... Unless the potting medium has soured, I'd leave it as-is. How much sun and fertiliser is it getting when in active growth? Dendrobium nobile types flower better when pot bound. They can go outside from June to late September, or even later depending on your location (avoid frosts)....

Thanks nepnewbie for the very detailed explanation! Life got the better of me and fell too lazy to move the orchid around during different seasons. I just left it in half-shade, but it's facing a south-east (?) window so it gets bright sunlight during late morning in summer. I fertilize whenever I remember, usually during spring/summer season. (I dare not place it outdoors as the sun can be scorching, and I don't have a greenhouse.) What I didn't notice is... buds were forming and eventually bloomed!

Probably won't bloom if medium is soured but to be honest, I can't tell. Haven't repotted it in years, not even sure if it's all roots no medium now...

 

[nepnewbie]

@meateater That looks great! I suspect your plant is Dendrobium Yukidaruma 'King'