Orchid winter rest

[raybark]

Yep - there are folks that do quite well with such plants in semi-hydroponic culture, in which they are kept constantly wet. You can water them at will, since the root system has grown to prefer that, but only with plain water during the rest period.

It's easy to see why the "dry" winter rest came to be: In nature, epiphytes only get fed when rains wash very dilute nutrients down from the forest canopy above, and most of that is nitrogen. In some locales, there is distinct seasonality to the rainfall, and when there is no rain, there is no food, but what one sees is "no rain".

Besides, in most cases, the "dry" season isn't parched at all, but is "less than monsoonal", and there is a lot of fog and heavy dew to keep the plants hydrated.

[theflowerbread]

Which is the minimum t° when callista section dendrobiums go in dormancy period? Here now is around +12°C during the night and +19...22°C during day. The daytime temp is still ok but it worries me the nighttime temp. Should I still fertilize dendrobiums (densiflorum or griffithianum) and make the rest period from Halloween till Valentine's? I live in northern Italy and the winters here usually are cool and rainy. Night t is around +5° but can drop till 0 or even a bit below (but only in very cold winters like 2yrs ago). During the day usually is around +10. When I should bring the debdrobiums in? So far there are still outside catts, paphs and odontoglossums. But I'm worried about this +12 degrees during the night. Any advice appreciated.
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[Catt Mandu]

MCSchrum, since you are growing mostly species, there is a culture sheet service available that I think may be helpful, as the species you mentioned do not have identical requirements. Since it is a pay-for service, I will PM you with a link rather than post here, but the cost is not too bad, and you pay only for the information you need, when you need it. BTW, I have no financial interest at all in the culture sheet service - I just find it useful.

Added later: Oh, I see that your account is not set up to receive private messages. Oh well, if the culture sheets are of interest to you, contact me by PM if you set up your account with that feature later on.

[kdennis14]

Good Morning Everyone,
I live in central Florida and have been reading a lot about winter resting. Lots of do this and do that, and then NO don't do that or do this, DO THIS.
(on other sites). So, I come to the best place of all to learn. Living in Central Florida it does sometimes get quite cool. What should I do to keep my 25 orchids healthy?
Thank you so much,
Karen

[78Terp]

Good Morning Everyone,
What should I do to keep my 25 orchids healthy?
Thank you so much,
Karen

You have to tell us what they are first to be able to answer the question.

[kdennis14]

Ok, thank you.
I know my phals will be ok inside. I also have dendrobiums, cattleya's, and an epy Serena O'neill. Thank you again.
Karen

[78Terp]

Different dens have different winter needs. Check out this AOS info sheet:
https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=197

[kdennis14]

Thank you Harvey for responding. I saved the above website for future use. I have a brain issue so therefore have difficulty remembering.
I appreciate your help. Growing Orchids is a wonderful thing for me. Makes me very happy.
Karen

[theflowerbread]

Hi guys. At what temperature I have to bring my cattleyas, dendrobium densiflorum and Cambria type of orchids inside? During day is around +16°C, during night can be +6...8°C. During the night I bring them in but in daytime I leave outside. How is the best for them? Greetings from Italy
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[theflowerbread]

I saw the link you posted just now. Thanks, was very helpful!
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