almost time: Den. moniliforme winter rest

[jason woodrue]

Hi,

It is getting close to Halloween. Alot of orchid culture reading recommends this as the date to start the winter rest for the Dendrobiums that need it to bloom well in the spring...
Anyway, I have 2 Den. Moniliformes that just started putting out keikis (i think they are keikis - though they they resemble flower buds at this stage) they are very small right now. No roots or leaves yet.

Here is my question: does the winter rest abort keiki development? or if i want to encourage the keikis to grow should i keep the orchids a bit more moist and not as extremely dry? Will keeping an orchid from its winter rest kill it? or what will happen?

Do the winter rest guidelines apply to Den. lamyaiae, Den. unicum and all others from section Dendrobium in the same way?

Also, how cold can Den. moniliforme go?

Those of you with the expertise, your knowledge would be greatly appreciated

thanks,
mike smith (jason woodrue)