From my perspective as a Dendrobium orchid, dormancy is not a period of death or sickness, but a crucial, deeply ingrained survival strategy. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, I receive clear environmental signals that the challenging season is approaching. My growth cycle is complete; my pseudobulbs (those cane-like structures) have matured and stored all the water and nutrients they can. To conserve my vital energy for the spectacular bloom you desire next season, I must enter a state of rest. This is not neglect; it is a necessary part of my life cycle. Pushing for growth now would only weaken me, leaving me vulnerable to disease and unable to produce strong flowers.
My needs shift dramatically during this time. I crave significantly cooler temperatures, ideally between 50-60°F (10-15°C). This prolonged cool period is the very trigger that tells my internal biology it is time to initiate flower buds. A warm, cozy room will confuse me and likely prevent blooming. While I am resting, I still need very bright, indirect light. A south or east-facing window is perfect. The light fuels the minimal metabolic processes I maintain and keeps my pseudobulbs strong and healthy, preventing them from shriveling excessively. Please, do not put me in a dark closet.
This is the most critical adjustment you must make. With my growth halted, my water consumption is minimal. My thick, spongy pseudobulbs are designed to act as water reservoirs, sustaining me through this dry period. You must allow my potting medium to become completely dry throughout and remain so for a considerable period. A good rule is to water me only every two to three weeks, and even then, provide just a small splash to prevent the canes from shriveling beyond recognition. Overwatering now is a death sentence; my roots will rot quickly in the cold, damp media without active growth to absorb the moisture.
Please, absolutely withhold fertilizer. My root system is largely inactive and cannot absorb nutrients. Any fertilizer salts applied will simply build up in the potting mix, creating a toxic environment that will burn my delicate root tips. This chemical burn will compromise my ability to take up water and nutrients when I finally break dormancy in the spring. I have stored all the energy I need for my winter rest within my pseudobulbs. Your help comes not from feeding me, but from protecting me from harm.
Do not be alarmed by my appearance. It is natural for me to look quite different now. Many of my leaves will yellow and drop, especially from the older canes. This is a normal process of withdrawing valuable resources back into the main plant. The pseudobulbs themselves may develop a papery, wrinkled texture. This is simply me utilizing my internal water stores. A slight wrinkling is normal, but deep, accordion-like pleating is a sign I need a very small drink. Trust in my natural cycle. This quiet, leafless period is when I am secretly developing the flower spikes that will bring us both joy.
