Orchids that need winter "rest"

[utah]

Working hard on the greenhouse so I haven't been on for a while. Also managed to acquire a few dozen more 'chids. Dang that EBay!

My question - some of the 'chids I've purchased (Dendrobium loddigesii for one) require winter "rest". I'm going to try to establish a "drier" corner of the greenhouse for them and the plumeria.

Is there a list, somewhere, of which types of orchids require a winter rest? I know that many dendrobiums do, (as well as lycaste, etc.) but I can't find a general (but inclusive) list anywhere.

References anyone?????

Thanks!!!

[DebsC]

I don't know if there is a list of orchids needing a winter rest. If there is I've never seen it, but that doesn't mean anything!

You may have to research each of your orchids individually to see what they need and then tag them so you'll be aware.

Maybe someone else will have a better idea.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by DebsC

You may have to research each of your orchids individually to see what they need and then tag them so you'll be aware.

I think this is the key. It seems like many, if not most orchids require some sort of rest in the winter. The severity of the rest is totally different between species, however. For example, most Catasetinae will require absolute dryness for months; conditions that would kill many other types of resting orchids. Its kind of a species by species basis.

[utah]

So much for easy answers, eh?

I know, I know - *NOT* when it comes to orchids.


I don't have any Catasetinae so I know I don't have to sniffle and be tempted all winter while I completely ignore it.


Any generalizations???

[cloudswinger]

I think a generalization is that if the species is from a monsoonal region, it'll have a dryer rest. Probably most plants with pseudobulbs have some ability to deal with drier conditions. Other than that, nope.

I found a lot of species dens that need rests are classified in the same sections, but that may be a function of many of the plants in a section are from the same area.
I'm using 'Dendrobiums and it's relatives" by Lavarack, Harris and Stocker for a reference for the Dens. They are good about saying stuff like this plant needs a few days of drying out before watering or gradual drying through the whole winter until pbulbs shrivel etc.

[Ross]

As for Dendros, I can tell you for certain that Dendrobium anosmum requires total sleep during winter. As in NO water/fertilizer from late fall till early spring when growth begins. Otherwise it will not bloom. Dendrobium senile is nearly as picky in needing a strong winter rest, but a little water won't disturb it. In general, I would then say all deciduous Dendrobiums fall in the required winter rest category.

[JennS]

Humm...generalizations? I would say that probably most to all Catasetums need a hard winter rest. I would also say most to all Nobile type Dendrobiums need a somewhat hard winter rest. I do not know about most or all, but I know some pendulous type dendrobiums also need a winter rest.

That being said, I would agree with the above comments that you will probably just have to research every newbie you get. Time consuming, but exciting work to learn all about your new orchid. Have fun learning about all your new orchids!

A good tip I read about was marking the pot or stake with a particular color (also making sure to record the information in your orchid files in case the marking washes away) so they can be easily identified when you decide to seperate them.

[cb977]

We did have a long conversation here on this very subject...I'm trying to find it

Meanwhile, I did a search her on OB for "winter rest" and came up with this:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...earchid=240333

There are lots of posts discussing this subject

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cb977

We did have a long conversation here on this very subject...I'm trying to find it

Meanwhile, I did a search her on OB for "winter rest" and came up with this:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...earchid=240333

There are lots of posts discussing this subject

Well, I've been here a while and remember several discussions, but not one of general nature like this post. I think this is either going to generate lots of responses, or a very long reply (if someone has such a list). The best reply (but not the most user-friendly) was for the user to do some research, species by species. Just my

[cb977]

I'm sure this thread will generate lots of information...which is what we're all about here

...but I do remember a specific thread on the subject.

The link I posted above (the "winter rest" search) is very informative, many of them are regarding specific plant.

let the games begin...