How do you know when it's dormant?

[Paul Mc]

This may be a stupid question, but I'm truly unsure how you know when an orchid which needs to go dormant does so.

Specifically in question is my Sedirea japonica.

My game plan thus far as been to leave it in a sheltered position (from frosts and rain) outside until the temperature at night is in danger of freezing or averages go below 37F.

But will there be any signs that it has gone dormant?

Also, when I bring it into the basement which hovers around 50 to 60F will this bring it back out of it's dormant state?

Sorry, this is my first orchid that requires going dormant to survive, so I'm unsure what my next move(s) should be.