When to water a Dendrobium loddigesii in bud

[Austin Powers]

Hi,
I started watering when I saw the first signs of growth. Unfortunately I seem to only have keikis. I will be keeping it drier next winter. I think I chickened out and watered too much over the winter. I just could not bear to really let it be so dry. Mine lost about half its leaves. Anyway, if I can get it right next winter, I should have lots of new growth to bloom.
Did you keep your plant cool over the winter as well as dry??
Good luck,
Stephen