How to water orchids in October
The golden autumn of October is a critical period for orchid growth. Changes in temperature differences between day and night and humidity bring double challenges to the plants. At this time, scientific water and fertilizer management can not only enhance the cold resistance of orchid plants, but also accumulate energy for buds and flowers. This article analyzes the core points of autumn orchid maintenance from a practical perspective, and helps you cultivate high-quality orchid plants with bright leaves and straight flowers. The trilogy of water management for autumn orchids recommends using the "three observation methods" for precise watering cycle control: observe the dryness and dryness of the 1cm surface layer of the plant material, observe the fullness of the false bulb, and observe the luster of the leaves. If the plant material is mainly pine scales, it takes 3 days to replenish water, and the mixed substrate of water moss can be extended to 5 days. In dry areas in the north, it is combined with morning and evening spraying to maintain 60% air humidity. Advanced watering techniques When the dipping pot method is implemented at the beginning of the month, 0.1% mancozeb can be added to the water to prevent diseases. Later watering should be injected slowly along the wall of the pot to avoid washing false bulbs. It is recommended to use long-billed crane necked pot with acidified water with pH 6.0 - 6.5 to effectively prevent saline-alkali deposition. The golden rule fertilizer type for autumn fertilizer application is selected for autumn flower varieties such as Jianlan that require Huaduo 2 (N-P-K = 10 - 30 - 20), while non-flowering varieties such as spring orchid are recommended to use Aolu 318S slow-release fertilizer. Special varieties such as Moran can be added to the application of decomposed sheep manure pills and combined with EM bacterial solution to improve absorption rate. The scientific fertilization method adopts the principle of "applying thin fertilizer frequently" and dilutes the recommended concentration to 1/800 - 1/1200. Maintain micro-moisture in the substrate for three days before and after fertilization, and cooperate with the "backwater method" to wash the leaf base after fertilization. Stop applying solid fertilizer before and after cold dew, and use potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar spraying instead. Advanced strategy for environmental control, coordinated management of light and temperature, build a double-layered sunshade net to achieve 50%-70% shade. Direct light is received before 10 o'clock in the morning and scattered light is used in the afternoon. It is advisable to control the temperature difference between day and night at 8 - 10 ℃. Opening windows at night can create a low-temperature environment and promote nutrient accumulation. The air circulation system is equipped with a circulating fan to maintain a wind speed of 0.3 - 0.5m/s, and the basin spacing shall be maintained above 20 cm. Regularly use bamboo sticks to loosen the substrate on the basin surface, and use ceramsite to enhance the bottom permeability. Turn on the dehumidifier when the humidity is high and maintain the ideal range of 55%-65%.
By accurately grasping the ratio of water and fertilizer and environmental parameters, and adjusting maintenance details with changes in solar terms, a golden triangle system for orchid growth can be created. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record temperature and humidity data, and dynamically optimize management plans based on plant performance, so that orchid plants can continue to show vitality in autumn and winter.