Oncidium type orchid?

[Roberta]

About the only things that I keep really truly dry are the Catasetinae. California "dry" is a lot drier than Himalayan "dry"... few orchids are adapted to single-digit humidity with 80 deg F days. As long as they get a chill, getting some water (even regular water) in winter won't harm blooming for most of those "dry winter rest" plants. Lesson learned in Andy's shadehouses where deciduous Dendrobiums are in with the general population based on temperature requirements, and get watered (no way to separate them for special treatment)... doesn't keep them from blooming. They do get winter chill, however. Also most are mounted so they dry fast.

[qbie]

OK. Thank you Roberta. I don't live in the city anymore where all the water keeps the temps milder so I need to pay attention to nighttime lows before any watering. Even though it's rare, I think there's been frost/ice on next door's roof every winter. I realize my balcony may be a bit buffered vs being completely exposed like a rooftop but I recall someone said "cold + wet = dead"

[Roberta]

That's a good equation... And for sure, any outdoor watering in winter needs to be in the morning, so things have a chance to dry out before evening.

[qbie]

Oh yes! Thanks for the reminder!