Winter rest?

[SoCalOrchidMan]

I have several species, one in particular, a Laelia rubescens that has done well for me this year in a greenhouse. Cultural information that I have found on this and other species state "needs a dry winter rest". Kind of gives me the drastic impression to treat this plant like a cactus but not sure I want to do this. What exactly does this mean? The plant is in a wood basket in bark. Gets water every 5 to 6 days now and is in spike. The "rest" is supposed to come after blooming. Can anyone be more specific as to what this dry winter rest is to look like?

[Kelo]

It simply means to withhold water as may be experienced where it grows in the wild. Continuing to water during what would be a naturally dry time would be detrimental to the health and well-being of your plant. These dry periods can vary from specie to specie and the country of origin but there should be lots of information on the net about the subject.

[Ray]

Interestingly enough, withholding water is not nearly as important as withholding fertilizer, especially nitrogen compounds.

I don't recall where I read it, but the rain cascading off of leaves from a forest canopy deliver a huge amount of nitrogen to plants. During "rest periods", the reduced rainfall leads to reduced feeding, but may also lead to plant desiccation.

In captivity, keeping the plant dry, in a very humid environment can prevent the latter, but you may find that periodic light watering will also work. In either case, no feeding until after the plant breaks dormancy.

[cythaenopsis]

Does this principle hold true for seedlings as well? I wonder if the early growing phase of a plant may be more intense, and thus the "resting period" doesn't need to be as restful or long?

[RosieC]

I was told last year not to rest a small keiki I had, only rest it on the second year.

I guess the same may be true of a seedling.