Question
I believe I have several anosmum (hono hono) that I brought back from Hawaii in 2008. I am guessing this is what these orchids are but I have yet to have any flowers since 2008. They have continued to grow well during the warm months in coastal Virginia outdoors under a shade cloth and during the winter months I bring them into the house.  I note that this year the canes are still green with most leaves intact but with my stopping the water about 3 weeks ago the leaves are turning yellow and falling off.  However, the canes are still quite green.  They are on a window shelf with bright morning to mid afternoon sun and I also have the fluorescent lights on in the laundry room where they are located.  My question is how long should I refrain from watering?  Or do I need to periodically water (once a month)?  I also have a good sized dendrobium cuculatum (my guess from the flowers I've had in previous years) and I've stopped watering that orchid but it has started budding even with some of the leaves still intact.  Should I water this one at all?  Should I use the same watering technique for both?  I appreciate your knowledgeable assistance.  I've come to respect your wisdom and advice.  Thank you!

Answer
Corinne, it sounds like you have deciduous dendrobiums.  Like deciduous trees which lose their leaves during their rest period, so too do these dendrobiums.  Watering should be kept to a minimum during rest(the purpose of any spraying or watering during this period is to prevent the canes from excessive shriveling).  The greatest danger is that over watering them while at rest is that rot could set in. In the natural cycle of these plants, they signal the end of the rest period by beginning new growth.  Best practice during rest is occasional misting.  When new growth starts, wait until it grows to three or four inches before beginning full watering and feeding.