Den lindleyi winter rest

[VickiC]

I have been reading old threads and info on the internet about winter rest for Den lindleyi, but I'm more confused than when I began because everyone seems to handle this differently. I'm not clear as to whether it needs a strong dormancy with absolutely no water.....some water and if so, how often.....misting-slight or heavy????

This is my 2nd Den lindleyi. The first one didn't make it through it's 1st winter under my care. I tried to give it a strong/harsh rest, but I couldn't bear to see it sit there with no water, so I slightly watered it occasionally. This was my 1st orchid that needed a dormant period, so I know I did it all wrong. I want to try again, so I would appreciate your advice.
Vicki

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[Claire25]

I'm glad you asked about this...I have a lindleyi, too, and was about to post the same question.

I was planning on just restricting the water a bit. All my 'chids sit on windowsills next to the chilly glass in the winter, and all more or less get neglected at that time (the Catts in particular I let get bone dry between waterings). So, I was just going to neglect this one a little more.

Claire

[VickiC]

Maybe restricting water a little more than usual is all that we should do, but hopefully others will come along and advise us.
Vicki

Originally Posted by Claire25

I'm glad you asked about this...I have a lindleyi, too, and was about to post the same question.

I was planning on just restricting the water a bit. All my 'chids sit on windowsills next to the chilly glass in the winter, and all more or less get neglected at that time (the Catts in particular I let get bone dry between waterings). So, I was just going to neglect this one a little more.

Claire

[SOS]

Their dry season needs to be distinct to be sure a good flowering in spring occurs.

[orchidsamore]

I asked this question last year to an excellent grower while we were standing next to his lindeyi, which was four feet tall and had over 1000 flowers.

Robert said - you see that I grow it in with my Vandas, but off to the side. I gets soaked only once a week. (rather than daily)

In Florida heat, once a week soaking is a dry rest

[VickiC]

Thanks for your reply,
Vicki

Originally Posted by SOS

Their dry season needs to be distinct to be sure a good flowering in spring occurs.

[VickiC]

Thanks for your reply,
Vicki

Originally Posted by SOS

Their dry season needs to be distinct to be sure a good flowering in spring occurs.

[Claire25]

Vicki,

I found this info while doing some more searching online. It's from another forum found at this link: Dendrobium Aggregatum -. (Dendrobium aggregatum was the old name for lindleyi)

"This Dend needs a cool, dry, bright winter rest to be able to get it to bloom. I water and fertilize on a regular basis when in growth...but come fall I move it into a southern window that doesn't go above 60 and I give it no water at all until it spikes. As soon as the spikes break through their sheaths, I again start watering. So, I don't water at all from November until March or April. The p-bulbs will dessicate (but will plump up again after watering restarts) It can stay mounted, in a basket or a small pot of fast draining medium."

Maybe this will help? I know I'm going to have a hard time *completely* keeping it dry for that long; the humidity in my house is so low in the winter that I think I'll have to give it a drink every couple weeks or so...

Best of luck w/yours!
Claire

[VickiC]

Thank you for the link, Claire...
Vicki

Originally Posted by Claire25

Vicki,

I found this info while doing some more searching online. It's from another forum found at this link: Dendrobium Aggregatum -. (Dendrobium aggregatum was the old name for lindleyi)

"This Dend needs a cool, dry, bright winter rest to be able to get it to bloom. I water and fertilize on a regular basis when in growth...but come fall I move it into a southern window that doesn't go above 60 and I give it no water at all until it spikes. As soon as the spikes break through their sheaths, I again start watering. So, I don't water at all from November until March or April. The p-bulbs will dessicate (but will plump up again after watering restarts) It can stay mounted, in a basket or a small pot of fast draining medium."

Maybe this will help? I know I'm going to have a hard time *completely* keeping it dry for that long; the humidity in my house is so low in the winter that I think I'll have to give it a drink every couple weeks or so...

Best of luck w/yours!
Claire

[Bolero]

I have one as well. I don't water much during winter but I grow mine a bit cooler as well (as in around 40F). I occasionally give it a splash maybe once a month but that's it. It has survived the winter no problems so far.