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Dendrobiums mainly suffer from air that's too dry and incorrect watering. The first thing to do is check the humidity: these flowers come from tropical climates and need more humid air than what a normal house offers. Try misting the leaves with distilled water every 2-3 days, or put the pot on a saucer with pebbles and a bit of water (without the pot touching the water directly). A humidifier helps a lot if you can afford one, even a cheap one works fine.
As for watering, these orchids prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, but not completely. When you water, use room-temperature water and let the pot drain well - the roots rot easily if they stay wet. In winter water less, maybe every 10 days. Another thing: check the soil, it needs to be specific for orchids (bark, not regular soil), because regular soil holds too much moisture.
Tell me a bit: where are you keeping the plant right now? Does it get direct light or not? And how long have you noticed it drying out?
Elisa Ricci asker
I have it in the living room near an east-facing window, indirect light in the morning. I noticed the problem about three weeks ago, the leaves are gradually turning yellow.
A trick not many people do: put the plant on a saucer with pebbles and a bit of water, so it evaporates around it without touching the roots directly! The humidity rises and the plant breathes better, especially if you keep it away from radiators and drafts. Also check that the soil isn't compacted: dendrobiums love fast drainage, so if it's all sticky it could rot inside. If it's bone dry everywhere, water from below by soaking the pot for five minutes, then drain it well.
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