What water should I use to water orchids?
As a representative of elegant flowers, orchids 'roots are extremely sensitive to water quality. Water source selection is not only related to growth speed, but also directly affects the length of flowering period and plant health. Mastering the principles of scientific water use can keep the orchid grass like jade and bloom for a more lasting fragrance. The principle of prioritizing natural water sources for irrigating orchids Rainwater and snow water are rich in dissolved oxygen and nitrogen, and their pH value is close to the original environment of orchids. Avoid the acid rain season when collecting, and rainwater water needs to be left to settle. Fish pond water contains microbial communities, which can activate plant materials. Pay attention to filtering impurities when using it. Tap water treatment techniques Chlorine must be left to stand for more than 48 hours when it evaporates. In winter, it can be heated with the sun. It is recommended to use ceramic cylinders for storage, and activated carbon packs can be placed in the water to effectively adsorb heavy metals. Change water storage containers every week to prevent excessive reproduction of microorganisms. The fermented organic liquid needs to be fermented in a sealed manner for 15 days using rice washing water and diluted at 1:30 before being used. Orange peel can be added to eliminate odors, and use it no more than twice a month. Fermented beer diluent (1:50) strengthens the waxy layer of leaves. The dry and wet cycle control method of the scientific watering system of orchids adopts the "three-finger detection method": insert the index finger, middle finger and ring finger into the plant material to a depth of 3cm, and only water the fingertip when it is moist. Purple sand pots need to increase the watering amount by 20%, and glazed pots need to reduce the water amount by 15%. Keep the plant materials moist in spring and winter, and dry and irrigate thoroughly in summer and autumn. Key points for water temperature control The water temperature needs to be preheated to 18-22 ° C in winter, and can be refrigerated to 25 ° C in summer before being warmed for use. The temperature difference is controlled within ±3℃, which can be adjusted by mixing hot and cold water. In rainy and snowy weather, water needs to be moved indoors to balance the temperature 12 hours in advance. Time selection strategy Choose to water 1 hour before sunrise in spring and summer to avoid strong light refraction and burning leaves. It is advisable to take place from 3 to 4 p.m. in autumn, and from 12 to 14 p.m. in winter. Air outlets need to be avoided for maintenance of air-conditioned rooms, and ventilation should be strengthened for 2 hours after watering.
Through systematic water source management and scientific watering methods, the disease resistance of orchids can be significantly improved. It is recommended to establish a watering log to record the type, amount and plant response of water source, and gradually form a personalized maintenance plan. Regularly test the EC value of the plant material to stabilize the pH value between 5.8 and 6.3, so that the orchid plants can maintain the best growth state.