Most of the orchids that I see listed on this thread sound like the really fancy ones and more exotic . Compared to the phalaenopsis which I only have in my collection . I don't think mine do have a rest period . If anyone can enlighten me on this , if they really do have one or when they do have one .

From what i know phalaenopsis don't need a winter rest...But if the temperature of the room gets a bit low better reduce a bit watering them...and of course when the plant doesn't grow in any way (roots, leaf, ...) no fertiliser and less water :) (but my advice is also due to the weather and condition from where i live)

I was told when I purchased the following they needed a winter rest.
Den williamsonii
Thunia Alba
Maxillaria hematoglossa

Maybe someone can tell me more if they need less frequent watering or a complete rest till the new growth starts.

So far none of mine need a rest, unless my recent purchase of Den aggregatum does, I've only had it a couple weeks so don't know its habits yet.

My catts are all making new leaves and looking robust (crossing fingers they all bloom this year) my dens and phals are all blooming. My paph is 'slowing' but not dormant yet. Thats 53 plants active and one den thats questionable here... but could be the goofy weather we've had down in S. FL this year. One day heaven, next day hot, next day freezing next day hot. It a wonder any plant knows what the heck to do this season down here

This is something that has always perplexed me. If anyone has the time or the inclination, I would appreciate it if they could take a look at the list in my profile and tell me which ones should get a winter rest. And BTW, what exactly is a winter rest? No water at all? A little water? Half as often? A quarter as often? Occasional misting only? Help de-mystify me on this.

EDIT: Never mind. Further reading has given me most of the info I think I need... maybe. ;) And I apologize if this was an inappropriate request, or posted in the wrong place.

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, but I have 3 cyms resting at the moment. The idea is then to put them outside once the weather is more clement. Is that right? I'm playing it by ear, as they say. Other than that, as some of you say, phals don't seem to need rest.

I don't know what you mean by rest, but cyms don't need a winter rest. Since temps are lower, you just water less.
As for putting them outside, you should. Cyms need a fairly large day-night temperature differential to bloom, and they won't get that indoors. I'm near Lyon, and I bring mine outside after the "Saints de Glace" in May, and it stays outside until first frost (late september/mid october). I did have to bring it it in a few nights in august when the night temperature hovered around 1-3°C....

that's roughly what I do, bring them in from October to April roughly. Once any sign of frost has gone. As the weather is a bit peculiar this year - we even had snow here by the sea - I'm going to wait and see. Thanks for your ideas!

A mini SLC Ginny Champion "Prince"
Neostylis
Neofinetia falcata
Leptotes
BLC Hawaiian Leopard "Mei-Ling"
Brass Nodosa
Brass Subulifolia

Since my orchids are in the bedroom & I keep the house in the upper 60's during the day in winter, I've never really thought about giving a real winter rest. Humidity is low in the winter because the heater is always running. I still water everybody weekly, pretty much same as summer. I keep the timer on the lights the same, too. I may experiment with that next winter, though.

Orchids in my current collection requiring winter rest/dry periods:

1. Dendrobium atavus
2. Dendrobium harveyanum
3. Eulophia callichroma
4. Eulophia graminea

Maybe:

Dendrobium kingianum (???)