Dormancy Question

[Melian]

I've ordered my first Catasetum type, a Monn. Millenium Magic Witchcraft. I plan to keep it outside for the summer here in Maine and bring it inside in the fall. I've been reading about their dormancy period but the info I have found mainly deals with watering. My question is does it still need light during dormancy, and if so, what levels? I grow all my orchids on windowsills.

[Ray]

To answer your question, think about such plants in nature.

The "dry season" comes. There is less rain, so the plants get no food (which is more important than no water, as they are often bathed in fog or at least in very high humidity to keep them hydrated), but the light level is relatively unchanged.

If anything, I would guess the canopy might lose some leaves, leading to a slight increase in light.

If I grows well on your windowsill, leave it there.

[isurus79]

A windowsill during dormancy should be fine. Just make sure the media stays dry during winter, especially if the window transmits cold temperature into the sill area.