Orchid Summer Daily Care
Summer is a crucial period for orchid growth, where high temperatures, strong sunlight, and humid environments present severe challenges for care. Mastering scientific care methods can not only help orchids survive the summer safely but also promote the germination of new buds and the development of roots. This article delves into professional-level care strategies focusing on four core aspects: lighting, water, temperature control, and disease prevention.
Orchid Summer Shade Management
Light Intensity Classification Management
Different orchid varieties have significantly different light requirements: Cymbidium needs a 50% shade rate, while Cymbidium goeringii requires more than 70%. It is recommended to use a double-layer shading net system, with an outer layer of black shading net (shading rate 60%) + an inner layer of silver reflective net, which can reduce the leaf surface temperature by 3-5°C. Ensure the shading net is fully unfolded from 10:00 to 16:00 daily.
Light Direction Adjustment Techniques
For southeastern-facing balconies, it is recommended to use adjustable-angle sunshades to avoid direct noon sunlight. In the west-facing environment, additional bamboo blinds should be hung vertically to create an air insulation layer. Rotate the pot 45° weekly to ensure even lighting.
Building a Scientific Watering System
Time and Water Quality Selection
Use the morning and evening segmented watering method: water thoroughly from 6:00 to 7:00, and mist the leaves after 19:00. Preferably use rainwater with a pH of 6.0-6.5, and if using tap water, it should be exposed to sunlight for 48 hours to remove chlorine. It is recommended to water once a month with magnetized water to promote mineral absorption.
Accurate Water Control Techniques
Use the bamboo skewer test: insert a roasted bamboo skewer into the planting material, and after 15 minutes, remove it to observe the moisture. If the surface of the ceramic pot turns white, it needs to be watered, and for plastic pots, it should be combined with the weighing method (water when the weight is reduced by 25%).
Environmental Temperature and Humidity Control
Physical Cooling Solutions
Set up a misting cooling system, spraying for 30 seconds every hour from 11 to 15 o'clock daily. Place a water-absorbent stone tray at the bottom of the pot to cool through evaporation. When caring for orchids in an air-conditioned room, maintain a distance of more than 2 meters to avoid direct cold air, and set the temperature to 26±1°C.
Air Circulation Control
Install a mini circulating fan (wind speed ≤1m/s), positioned 80cm away from the plant at a 45° angle to deliver air. Maintain air humidity between 60-70%, using a wet and dry bulb hygrometer for real-time monitoring. Turn off the fan on rainy days to prevent excessive humidity.
Comprehensive Disease and Pest Control
Preventive Disinfection System
Alternately use carbendazim (800 times liquid) and mancozeb (1000 times liquid) to water the roots monthly. Set up yellow sticky traps (2 per square meter) to attract and kill thrips. Mix 5% diatomaceous earth into the planting material to prevent soft-bodied pests.
Emergency Disease Treatment
If (T-J) spots are found, immediately cut off the diseased leaves and apply Daktarin cream to the wound. For the initial stage of stem rot, soak the potting container in kasugamycin 2000 times liquid. Check the leaf back weekly to prevent red spider mites from thriving.
Through systematic care management, the survival rate of orchids in summer can be increased to over 95%. It is recommended to establish a care log to record changes in temperature and humidity and the plant's response. Before the beginning of autumn, gradually reduce the shading rate and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to lay the foundation for bud formation in autumn.