How to Care for Orchids
As one of China's top ten famous flowers, orchids are loved for their elegant and refined temperament. However, many orchid enthusiasts are often puzzled: why is it so difficult for carefully nurtured orchids to bloom? This article systematically analyzes the key points of orchid care from six dimensions such as temperature control and light management, and exclusively reveals three key techniques to promote blooming.
I. Orchid Cultivation Environment Control
1.1 Precision Control of Temperature and Humidity
The optimal growth temperature should be maintained between 20-25°C, with a day-night temperature difference recommended to be controlled within 8-10°C. In summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, ventilation needs to be enhanced, and in winter, when temperatures fall below 5°C, orchids should be moved indoors. An air humidity of 60-70% is ideal, which can be adjusted with a spray humidifier.
1.2 Light Intensity Management
Ensure 4-6 hours of scattered light daily, with direct morning and evening sunlight in spring and autumn. Use a shade net to adjust light intensity, and it is recommended to use a 60% shade net in summer to prevent leaf burn.
II. Key Operations for Daily Care
2.1 Scientific Watering Plan
Follow the "water when dry and stop when wet" principle, watering every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, 3-4 days in summer, and 15-20 days in winter. It is recommended to use rainwater or tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours, with the water temperature maintaining a ±2°C difference from the ambient temperature.
2.2 Substrate Formula Upgrade
Recommended formula: pine bark (40%) + volcanic rock (30%) + decomposed leaf soil (20%) + perlite (10%). When repotting every year, retain 1/3 of the old planting material to help the bacteria colonize, with the pH strictly controlled between 5.0-5.6.
III. Solutions to Flowering Problems
3.1 Nutritional Cycle Management
In the growing period (March-June), apply a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (20-20-20), and switch to a high-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (10-30-20) in the reproductive period (July-September). Start applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000) 45 days before budding, with foliar application every 10 days.
3.2 Environmental Stress Flowering Method
Simulate natural environmental changes to stimulate flowering: maintain a temperature difference of 25°C during the day and 15°C at night for 15 consecutive days, combined with reducing watering by 30%, which can effectively induce flower bud differentiation.
3.3 Key Points for Pest and Disease Control
Regularly spray mancozeb to prevent (T-J) disease, and immediately remove scale insects with an alcohol cotton swab upon discovery. Spraying avermectin once before flowering can prevent diseases during the flowering period.
Master the core essentials of "three controls and two adjustments" - controlling water, temperature, and fertilizer, adjusting light and pH, combined with scientific growth cycle management, even beginners can make orchids bloom year after year. It is recommended to establish a care log, recording each watering and fertilizing session, and through observations and adjustments over three growth cycles, one can ultimately cultivate exquisite orchids with lush leaves and abundant flowers.