Den kingianum. Bought in bud, should I still give winter rest

[RosieC]

Well yesterday there was an Orchid Fair pretty near where I live so I decided to go even though I thought it would only be small.

Among 8 orchids I came home with were a Den kingianum var Alba and what is either a Den Ellen (a kingianum hybrid) or a Den kingianum 'Ellen'.

I'm not sure what the second is, the seller seemed to indicate it was a hybrid but the tag seems to indicate it's a kingianum 'Ellen'. I guess I will know when it flowers as Den Ellen has a different shape of flower to a kingianum.

Anyway... both of them are in bud. The kingianum var alba is covered in keikis and it seems to be the keikis which are flowering.

That being the case, should I still give it a winter rest, or should I water it as it's in bud

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, do give winter rest.

[RosieC]

OK, thanks Philip.

[camille1585]

Philip, could you explain why please? Since these plants are already in bud I personally see no reason to give them a winter rest, since the rest would be to induce them to bloom.

[RosieC]

That was my reason for asking Camille, I thought the reason for the rest was to induce blooming. I'm new to winter resting orchids though.

If these are blooming now, maybe the grower gave then an early rest with artificial chill/reduced day length...however I don't know if that's the case.

[kavanaru]

I would let it bloom and after (if still "asks" for it) give it a rest...

[RosieC]

Thanks Ramón

How do I know if it's "asking" for it? This is the first year I've had any that need a winter rest so I don't really know what I'm doing.

[camille1585]

LoL, me too I wonder the same thing, how do you know it's 'asking for it'? My orchids don't want to speak to me unfortunately! I must not be understanding what my kingis tell me since they don't bloom for me....

[kavanaru]

LOL, I mean, if they do not start growing new PBs inmediately after blooming

[camille1585]

Ahhh, gotcha. Mine do grow tons of PBs after winter rest, but no spikes. Have trouble keeping them cool AND in bright light!