Hi,

I was at the last meeting and learned that some Orchids needs a dry rest for it to bloom or stay in bloom. Now I am confused and is unsure if I should water my orchids or not. Does anyone know what types of orchids needs a dry rest or does it solely depends on where it originated?

If that's the case how do I go about finding out that information? Is there a book available or a specific site that I can go to without having to comb the internet for this information?

Right now I have one phal that has a spike and one cymbidium that might have three. My Sherry Baby's new leaf growth is abnormally light green. Not sure if it's too cold or not enough light, too much water.

Thanks,
Salie

With apologies, sorry for any confusion. First, it is GOOD that you know what kinds of orchids that you have. That is an easy, although sometimes daunting task for a beginner (and even MORE so for someone with hundreds or even THOUSANDS of orchids).

The three types of orchids you mentioned - Phalaenopsis (or moth orchids), Cymbidium (outdoor growing orchids) and intergenetic/oncidium like orchid. ALL OF THESE ORCHIDS should remain relatively evenly moist (not sopping wet and not dried out completely) and they basically DO NOT REQUIRE any type of dry rest period.

There are some people who purposefully dry out Phalaenopsis to STRESS them to flower, however this is generally not required to get a healthy plant to bloom as long as enough light, fertilizer and nutrients were available to the plant and that it experiences a day/night difference and cool down period in the fall.

MOST orchids that require a DRY PERIOD will be either SPECIES (Those found in the wild and not created by man) or primary hybrids of these species. Usually, with few exceptions, these are not orchids for beginners. When buying orchids from a reputable seller such as at our show you can always ask for its requirements and if it needs a rest.

ANY of the plants you buy at the Grocery Store, Home Improvement or other local stores will NOT, generally, require any kind of rest.

Now as to where to find information, there are several sources and I'll be happy to provide some links shortly...

Scott

Thank you Scott for your response.

I do not have a green house, I grow my orchids either in the house on the window sill or outside on a shaded balcony with great indirect sun light.

I actually contacted our speaker and she gave me some great sources to find out more information on particular types of orchids that needed the dry rest.

I guess I really don't need to worry right now as my collection of orchids are more of the common species.

Thank you!
Salie