Do Dendrobium nobile orchid seedlings need a winter rest?
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A question that has popped up a few times in the comment section is weather Dendrobium nobile seedlings need a winter rest.
What I would do is try to provide a semi rest, not a harsh rest that you would give to an adult orchid, but a lighter version of it.
Cut back on watering after the new canes mature, but let the orchid tell you when it could use a drink. When the canes start to shrivel you can run some water through the pot to wet it. There is no need for soaking as the plant doesn’t consume as much water as in the growing period.
Stop fertilizing when new canes mature, as the orchid doesn’t need as many nutrients since it is taking a break. Start fertilizing when you see the new case form from its base.
If you can provide a drop in temperature do so, but I wouldn’t go bellow 15 degrees celsius. We don’t want damages on out seedling, it is more fragile than an adult.
The point of this semi winter rest is to season the orchid and not confuse it. In their natural habitat these orchids experience a distinct change in environment between summer and winter. If we don;t provide a change, the orchid might grow off season and in the end it might grow new canes in winter and stop in summer, which is not healthy for its future.
The point of a harsher rest is to induce an abundance of blooms. Since our seedling is too young to bloom, there is no need for it until it becomes mature.
