Hello, Susanne. While I'm certainly no expert, I do have success blooming this species every winter. Right around this time of year I start to severely reduce the water I give my plant. By now the previous growing season's pseudobulbs should be completed (or near completion), and the plant needs a rest. How long and severe the rest is, well, is probably open to debate. But between early to mid November and late January I water it perhaps once every three to four weeks. It still gets soaked when I water it, but there's a long interval of time for it to go (and remain) dry between waterings. I also give it very cool conditions, especially at night. When it's dormant and dry, it will easily take temperatures in the low to mid 50's. A lot of the leaves will turn yellow and drop during this period (although not all of them do on the particular plant that I have), and flower spikes will usually appear between the end of January and mid February. As will many other Dendrobiums, I wait until the buds actually form on the spikes in order to avoid the (for me) dreaded keikis that tend to grow instead of flowers if the plant gets too much water during the dry season. Again, these are just my own observations of what my plant seems to respond well to. Best of luck with your plant!
Steve
|