Winter rest struggle

[ThePinkCucumber]

Originally Posted by bil

I am known to walk into the greenhouse and say "Speak up you b******s or it's compost time!"

Experiment away! How else will you learn?

Haha bil, absolutely - threatening the orchids works every time!
Oh and I'm always up for an experiment!

[disalover]

I have threatened to trow those out that dont do anything jyst stand around no new growths for years. After threatening they usually throw out a growth

[Ray]

Plants that need winter rests need zero nitrogen, not zero water.

Applying a bit of water now and again - but no fertilizer - will keep the pseudobulbs plump and will make them stronger when the come out of dormancy.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

Plants that need winter rests need zero nitrogen, not zero water.

Applying a bit of water now and again - but no fertilizer - will keep the pseudobulbs plump and will make them stronger when the come out of dormancy.

Ah, now that's a sensible take on it!

Ray, does that also apply to your fertiliser at ultra low doses? Or is it ok to continue using that?

[mtorchid]

Just keep in mind that "dry winter" in the tropics and sub-tropics means not-in-monsoon-season. There's still plenty of humidity and dew/fog at night. Just back off on watering a little more than you usually do. If you have 50-60% humidity in your growing area, you could wait longer between watering.

[ThePinkCucumber]

Thank you guys for all your replies!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by bil

Ah, now that's a sensible take on it!

Ray, does that also apply to your fertiliser at ultra low doses? Or is it ok to continue using that?

Zero equals zero, not low, although there may be less sensitive plants that can take the low feeding rate anyway. To be safe, zero.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

Zero equals zero, not low, although there may be less sensitive plants that can take the low feeding rate anyway. To be safe, zero.

OK, thanks Ray. Appreciate your input.