How to Plant Orchids
As one of the traditional famous flowers in China, orchids are deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for their elegant and refined temperament. Mastering the correct planting methods of orchids can not only improve the survival rate but also cultivate plants with beautiful postures. This article will systematically explain the whole process of orchid planting starting from the two core technologies of seed propagation and division propagation, and provide practical operation illustrations.
Complete Process of Orchid Seed Propagation
Preparation of Cultivation Containers
Choose unglazed ceramic pots with a height of 25-35 cm, and lay a 3cm thick layer of foam granules at the bottom as a drainage layer. Use a mixture of perlite and decomposed leaf soil in a ratio of 1:3 to ensure a balance between breathability and water retention. The matrix needs to be thoroughly watered with boiling water for disinfection before planting.
Seed Treatment Techniques
Collect mature capsules that have not opened and soak them in a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 8 minutes for sterilization. After rinsing with running water, place them on sterile gauze to air-dry in the shade to avoid direct sunlight that could lead to the loss of active substances.
Key Points for Seedling Care
Use the broadcast method to evenly distribute the seeds, with a covering soil thickness not exceeding 0.3 cm. Use a misting spray bottle to keep the matrix moist, and control the ambient temperature between 24-26°C. When using a bag to maintain humidity, ventilate twice a day for 30 minutes each time. The germination period requires continuous care for 6-8 months, with a diluted orchid special nutrient solution applied every half month.
Tips for Orchid Division Propagation
Timing for Division
The best time for operation is between March-April in spring or September-October in autumn, choosing 3-year-old or older healthy plants. Stop watering 10 days in advance to dry the potting soil, which is beneficial for protecting the integrity of the roots.
Standard Division Procedures
After removing the pot, gently tap the soil mass to remove the old soil, and separate 3-5 plants/cluster using scissors disinfected with alcohol. Retain more than 3 aerial roots during the trimming and apply charcoal powder to the cut surfaces to prevent fungal infection. Soak in a 800-fold solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes and then air-dry.
Management of Repotting and Care
Choose new pots with a diameter of 15-20 cm and fill them with a matrix mixed with pine bark that has been treated at high temperatures. The planting depth should allow 1/3 of the pseudobulb to be exposed above the soil surface. During the slow seedling period, maintain a 70% shading rate and spray the leaves with a potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once a week to promote root development.
Whether it is seed or division propagation, successful orchid cultivation is inseparable from meticulous environmental control. Keeping the day-night temperature difference at 5-8°C, air humidity at 60%-75%, and applying organic liquid fertilizer monthly can keep the orchids vibrant. It is recommended for beginners to start with division propagation, and after mastering the growth patterns, try seed propagation to gradually unlock all the skills of orchid planting.