When a dormant orchid loses all leaves....

How can I tell if there is life left in an allegedly dormant orchid? Should I utilize a hormone gel or liquid to stimulate it into rebirth?

My den and phal plants (and sometimes even cattleya) "go dormant and leafless" after blooming(!), and after several months I check stems and decide they are not sleeping, but dead.
This is frustrating.

Pls advise. I'm in zone 9, FL, have large screen room for orchids with N, S, and E exposure, and I put them into a winter room if we have a chill.
I have a gauge for both temp and humidity, and overhead paddle fan for air circulation.

When needed for problem treatment I use RD-20, mild alcohol/water wash(for leaves only) or self-prepared cinnamon water spray (NOT all at same time). Regularly I use well water, Neem Oil, orchid fertilizer, Superthrive.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[kmarch]

Dear Diana,

Phals (Phalenopsis) never go through a dormant stage where they loose their leaves. Phals will loose old leaves as new ones grow and seldom seem to have more than 6-8 leaves at one time. They like warmth, humidity and a gently and evenly moist potting mix. Year-round watering is necessary. After a Phal blooms, it could be repotted. Frequently they can be kept in the same size pot with the mix replaced. I grow my Phals (the few i have) in a mix containing medium pine bark, medium coir chunks, medium charcoal, perilite, shopped sphagnum, and a bit of ground-up peat. I replace the mix or repot approximately every 2 years.

Dendrobiums are a different story. There are many different kinds of Dendrobiums which require different culture. Many Dendrobiums go through a dormant stage during which the plant is to be kept cool and on the dry side. Some Dendrobiums do loose their leaves off older canes. It is difficult to know what kind of advice to give you regarding your Dendrobiums without knowing more about what kind they were. Other forum members who grow lots fo Dendrobiums may have more advice for you.

Cheers