Ctsm. Rebecca Northern (pink)

[JennS]

Thanks Nancy.

Elermore, if your plant has a spike, I believe that means it is time to start watering. I would think that if there is not new growth yet to slowly increase the watering and ramp up watering when new growth appears. Mine did OK with not having a full rest period, but it didn't' flower. I also lost a pbulb, which may have been related to not giving it enough of a rest.

Also, if they don't have any leaves, this should be the rest time, unless of course you see the spike. Then I would say start slowly. If you have leaves, that is the growth period, so water and fertilize regularly.

Somone else might know better though...

[nancy]

My opinion (don't ask how many have lost their will to live in my care...) - the reason these plants grow so fast, getting such brawny pseudobulbs so quickly, is to store up energy reserves for blooming. I think this applies whether they bloom with or without foliage. I have a number that bloom after de-leafing (deciduousing? deciduing?), and I don't water them then; I water when there is foliage and roots. I think water during dormancy is a mistake, even if the plant is spiking and flowering. A pseudobulb the size of a big sweet potato has plenty of reserve energy to feed those flowers.
Feel your pseudobulbs - are they fat, firm? Then they're healthy.
Okay, let me have it! Nancy

[isurus79]

I think Nancy is right on this one. The only time to water is when new roots are growing and are at least a couple inches long. Check out this website for exact info: Sunset Valley Orchids - Grower and hybridizer of quality orchids, Vista CA