Orchids are elegant and beautiful plants with a wide variety of species and flower shapes. Moreover, orchids are also very cold-hardy, light-loving, and easy-to-care-for plants, so many people like to plant them outdoors. However, to make orchids thrive in an outdoor environment, we need to understand some knowledge and techniques for outdoor orchid cultivation.
I: Choose the right orchid variety
Before starting outdoor cultivation, the first step is to choose an orchid variety suitable for the local climate. Generally, in northern regions, you can choose more cold-hardy orchids, such as Iris Orchid, Australian Orchid, etc.; while in southern regions, you can choose tropical orchids, such as Oncidium, Dendrobium nobile, etc.
II: Choose the right soil
Choosing suitable soil is also an important step in outdoor orchid cultivation. Generally, orchids like loose, breathable, and well-draining soil, so we can use materials like leaf mold, perlite, and peat as the substrate. It should be noted that different varieties of orchids have different soil requirements, so the soil should also be selected according to the variety.
III: Control the amount of water for orchids
Orchids like a humid environment, but excessive watering can lead to problems like root hypoxia and root rot. We need to master the amount and frequency of watering for orchids. Generally, water once or twice a week in spring and autumn, increase the amount of water in summer, and appropriately reduce the watering frequency in winter.
IV: Pay attention to orchid ventilation
Orchids also need a suitable ventilation environment, otherwise, it is easy to breed pests and diseases. In the process of outdoor cultivation, we can choose to plant in a more open place, and avoid them being blocked by obstacles such as tall buildings and walls.
V: Fertilization methods
Correct fertilization is also key to the healthy growth of orchids. Orchids need a lot of nutrients during their growth period. We can choose to fertilize during the growth and flowering periods respectively. When fertilizing, it is necessary to control the amount and cycle to avoid damage from over-fertilization.
VI: Orchid pruning methods
Regular and timely pruning of orchids is an important step to maintain their healthy growth. When pruning, we should pay attention not to damage its main stem and flower buds, and at the same time, appropriately prune old, diseased, and pest-infested branches.
VII: Orchid temperature
Orchids have high requirements for temperature. Generally, the temperature should be maintained at around 20°C in spring and autumn, and should be lowered in summer to avoid overheating. In winter, a relatively low temperature needs to be maintained to promote its dormancy.
VIII: Light conditions
Orchids like light, but strong sunlight in summer can easily lead to sunburn or drying of the leaves. In summer, we can choose to plant under the shade of trees to ensure suitable light conditions.
IX: Orchid pest and disease control
In an outdoor environment, orchids can also be damaged by pests and diseases. For the prevention and control of pests and diseases, we can adopt comprehensive methods such as physical, chemical, and biological control. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to keeping the environment clean to avoid the breeding of pests and diseases due to environmental hygiene problems.
X: Orchid flowering period
The flowering time of each orchid is different. When planting, we need to classify and plant according to different varieties to ensure the continuity and aesthetics of the flowering period.
XI: Orchid hybridization methods
Orchids are plants with high ornamental and scientific research value. Through hybridization, better quality varieties can be obtained. In outdoor cultivation, we can also choose suitable orchid varieties for artificial hybridization to increase their ornamental and market value.
XII: Orchid potting
In addition to outdoor cultivation, we can also choose to pot orchids. In the potting process, we need to choose suitable potting soil and containers, and also pay attention to appropriate watering, fertilizer control, ventilation, etc.
XIII: Orchid propagation methods
In outdoor cultivation, we can also increase their number through propagation. At present, the main propagation methods are seed propagation, leaf cutting, and division. We can choose suitable propagation methods according to different varieties.
XIV: Orchid harvesting methods
After the orchid flowering period ends, we can pick and harvest. The picking time is generally 3-5 days after the flowers bloom, and it is necessary to choose the appropriate time and method to ensure the quality of the orchids.
XV: The cultural significance of orchids
Orchids are not only beautiful plants but also have profound cultural significance. In China, orchids are endowed with symbolic meanings such as nobility, elegance, and high-mindedness, and have become the theme and image of cultural and artistic works such as poetry, literature, and painting.
Outdoor cultivation of orchids requires us to master some key knowledge and skills to enable them to thrive in a natural environment. It is hoped that the precautions and techniques for outdoor orchid cultivation mentioned in this article can be helpful to the majority of orchid enthusiasts.