Is it necessary to spray medicine on orchids after potting to prevent diseases?
Orchids that have undergone repotting need to go through a 30-45 day adaptation period. This special stage not only relates to whether the plant can survive smoothly but also directly affects the quality of subsequent flowering. This article will analyze the precautions for disease prevention and medication during the adaptation period and pot movement from the perspective of scientific maintenance.
Necessity of spraying medicine during the orchid's adaptation period to prevent diseases
Vulnerability of the root system during the recovery period
Orchids that have just been repotted have only restored 30%-50% of their root absorption function, and the protective layer of the new root tips has not yet fully formed. Experimental data show that the resistance of plants to pathogens during this stage is 60% lower than normal, and the risk of infection with soft rot and (T-J) disease significantly increases.
Seasonal protection focus
In spring, it is necessary to focus on the prevention and control of aphids (high incidence period from March to May), and in autumn, emphasis is on the prevention of red spiders (active period from September to November). It is recommended to use 25% imidacloprid wettable powder (2000 times liquid) or 40% damalin suspension (3000 times liquid), and spray the back of the leaves once every 10 days.
Scientific method of moving orchids
Principle of adjusting the light angle
Keeping the pot in a stable north-south orientation and slightly adjusting 15° clockwise weekly can ensure uniform light exposure. Frequent changes in placement will lead to increased light adaptation consumption in the leaves, and data show that frequent pot rotation will slow down the growth rate of new leaves by 23%.
Environmental transition strategy
If it is necessary to change the maintenance location, a progressive migration should be adopted: first placing it in the new environment for 2 hours/day, and gradually transitioning over 5-7 days. When the temperature suddenly changes more than 5°C, the plant will have metabolic disorders, manifested as curled leaves or shrinkage of pseudobulbs.
Key points of supporting maintenance during the adaptation period
Humidity gradient management
While maintaining an air humidity of 70%-80%, the water content of the planting material should be controlled at 35%-40%. A three-layer humidity monitoring method should be used: the surface layer of the planting material slightly moist, the middle layer moist, and the bottom of the pot breathable, avoiding waterlogging that can cause root rot.
Nutrition supplement rhythm
Begin supplementing with brassinolide (0.01mg/L) 15 days after repotting, and apply humic acid water-soluble fertilizer (EC value ≤0.8mS/cm) on the 30th day. Fertilizing too early will burn the new root hairs, affecting the efficiency of nutrient absorption.
Through precise pest and disease control and scientific maintenance management, the survival rate of orchids during the adaptation period can be increased to over 95%. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording data such as spraying time and changes in environmental parameters, to create an individualized growth profile for the plant. Remember, a stable microenvironment is the key to the smooth recovery of orchids.