Cultivation methods and precautions for black orchid
Today, I will explain the knowledge topic of black orchid, a plant from the orchid family, including its cultivation methods and precautions. The following is a detailed introduction for you.
Many orchid enthusiasts buy black orchids and the first thing they do is to read an article titled "Cultivation methods and precautions for black orchid" to be prepared for any problems. This article discusses the cultivation methods and precautions for black orchids from aspects such as their habits, environment, watering, and fertilizing.
1. Habits and care environment of black orchid
Black orchids prefer a warm, humid, and well-ventilated environment. They like water, light fertilization, and high humidity air. They dislike direct sunlight and waterlogging in the pot. Their growth is similar to that of a bamboo plant, slow, and the plants do not age easily. The leaves are dark green, wide, and thick. The blooming period is from January to March, with the fragrance being more evident around 10 am and 7 pm, and it is also related to the ambient temperature.
Cultivating black orchids indoors requires good ventilation and a relative humidity of at least 50%, with 80% being the most suitable. If the humidity is insufficient, a water tray can be placed near the bottom of the pot to increase the local humidity. The water depth should be 1.5 to 2 centimeters. To prevent bacterial decay, salt can be added to the water, and the water should be changed at least once every two weeks. In dry weather, the leaves should be sprayed with water 2 to 3 times a day to increase humidity. However, before closing the windows, ensure that there is no standing water on the leaves and the tips (heart of the plant), as this can cause leaf and stem rot.
During the plum rain season, when the air humidity is high, the above measures can be omitted.
In northern regions during the winter heating period, special attention should be paid to increasing the indoor humidity to prevent leaf tip burning and flower bud withering.
Light: Except for winter and spring, direct sunlight should be avoided. In winter and spring, they can be exposed to morning sunlight for about 2 to 3 hours a day. In summer and autumn, they need to be shaded.
Temperature: The temperature should not be lower than 3°C in winter and not higher than 30°C in summer. The optimal growth temperature is between 20°C to 28°C.
2. Watering and fertilizing methods and specific operations:
Watering black orchids is similar to other orchids. The potting soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It should not be allowed to dry out completely before watering. In winter and spring, water in the morning, and in summer and autumn, water after the sun sets. Generally, water once every 4 to 7 days in the cold winter and spring seasons, and once every 2 to 3 days in the hot and dry summer and autumn seasons, depending on the dryness or wetness of the soil, weather conditions, and air humidity. Do not adhere to a fixed pattern.
Note: Do not water on rainy days (unless the pot is dry), and do not water or spray for three days after applying pesticides. The temperature of the water used for watering should not be too different from the soil temperature, as it can cause the plant to "catch a cold."
Black orchid leaves are wide and thick, and unlike other orchids, they require more nutrients during the growing season. Therefore, it is necessary to apply thin fertilization frequently. Solid slow-release fertilizer (refer to the N/P/K ratio of Haokangduo) can be evenly spread around the edge of the pot with about 4 to 8 grams (depending on the size of the pot). The granules should not come into contact with the roots and pseudobulbs to prevent root burn. According to the duration of the fertilizer effect,补充 slow-release fertilizer in a timely manner. From May to October, apply a complex liquid fertilizer once every half month (once a week during the vigorous growth period). It is not recommended to use organic fertilizers for home gardening, as they can produce odors and pests that affect indoor air and the environment.
Note: Do not fertilize on rainy days, during the blooming period, or in the high-temperature summer season. If fertilization is necessary for weak plants, reduce the concentration by half as per the instructions. After applying liquid fertilizer, rinse the potting soil with water 24 hours later to reduce the accumulation of harmful inorganic salts. For newly potted or repotted plants, fertilization (foliar application of liquid fertilizer) should be done 30 days later. Stop using complex liquid fertilizer before and after the flower buds emerge, and apply monopotassium phosphate or other phosphorus-potassium fertilizers once every half month until winter.
3. Fungicides,防腐, and pest control:
Black orchids are prone to diseases such as bud rot, root rot, anthracnose, and black spot during the growing season. From April to winter, it is necessary to spray and water the roots with pesticides once or twice a month: Main drugs include potassium permanganate (5000 times water solution), carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl, which should be used alternately to prevent resistance. Dissolve the drugs in water as per the instructions, keeping the solution dilute rather than concentrated. Do not fertilize when using pesticides, and water or spray again after three days.
Black orchids grown at home generally have very few pests. Simply closing the mosquito nets and cleaning up hidden areas can prevent pest occurrences.
The above information provides you with the complete content on the cultivation methods and precautions for black orchid. Green plant enthusiasts may find it useful for reference.