How Many Varieties of Ordinary Orchids Are There?
Orchids, as one of the traditional famous flowers in China, have a complex variety system that often confuses beginners. Among the numerous orchid varieties, the four major categories of Cymbidium, Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium sinense, and Cymbidium lentcorhinum form the mainstream system, each containing several unique varieties. We will guide you to fully understand these elegant plants through variety analysis and cultivation practice.
Analysis of Ordinary Orchid Variety System
The ordinary orchids cultivated in our country are mainly distributed in four groups: Cymbidium with broad and sturdy leaves, Cymbidium goeringii blooming in early spring, Cymbidium sinense known for its dark-colored flowers, and Cymbidium lentcorhinum with cold resistance. According to the "Catalogue of Orchid Plants in China," there are 32 native species under Cymbidium alone, and 28 native species of Cymbidium goeringii, not including the artificially cultivated horticultural varieties.
Representative Varieties of Cymbidium
Cymbidium, with its ability to bloom multiple times throughout the year, has become a popular choice for growing on balconies. The Daqing variety is famous for its fresh and elegant flower color, while the Guanyin Su variety is highly regarded for its plain heart petals. These varieties share the common characteristic of being adaptable and suitable for beginners to cultivate.
The Mystery of Cymbidium Becoming a Common Variety
Among numerous orchids, Cymbidium stands out as the most popular variety, closely related to its biological characteristics. Compared to other orchids that bloom only 1-2 times a year, Cymbidium can bloom 3-4 times, with each bloom lasting 20-30 days. Its root system is 40% more developed than that of traditional national orchids, making it more resistant to water fluctuations in daily maintenance.
Comparison of Environmental Adaptability
Experimental data show that the growth rate of Cymbidium within the temperature range of 15-28°C is 1.5 times that of Cymbidium goeringii, and it can grow normally with an air humidity of 50%-70%, while Cymbidium sinense requires a humidity of over 60%. This strong adaptability makes it the first choice for office and home environments.
Scientific Cultivation System for Common Orchids
Container Selection Criteria
It is recommended to use high-tube unglazed ceramic pots, with a height to diameter ratio of 3:2 being ideal. In addition to the regular drainage holes at the bottom, it is suggested to add 3-5 ventilation holes on the side to form a three-dimensional ventilation structure. Laying a 3cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot can improve the drainage efficiency by 30%.
Substrate Mixing Scheme
Using a "3322" mixed ratio: 30% decomposed pine bark + 30% volcanic rock + 20% perlite + 20% decomposed leaf soil. This formula keeps the EC value of the substrate stable between 0.8-1.2mS/cm, ensuring nutrient supply while avoiding salt accumulation.
Water Management Techniques
In spring and autumn, maintain the substrate moisture content at 40%-50%, increase it to 60% in summer, but accompanied by enhanced ventilation. Use the immersion pot method to water, controlling the immersion time to 3-5 minutes each time, which can effectively prevent root rot. In winter, switch to misting to keep the substrate slightly moist.
By systematically understanding the characteristics of orchid varieties and scientific cultivation methods, even beginners can successfully cultivate these elegant plants. Cymbidium, with its strong adaptability and ornamental value, deserves to be the first choice for beginners. It is recommended that enthusiasts start with basic varieties and gradually master the essence of orchid cultivation.