Method of Orchid Cultivation in the North
Let me share with you some home orchid cultivation experiences, the method of orchid cultivation in the north, let's learn about it together.
In order to cultivate orchids well in the northern region, it is necessary to create suitable environmental conditions for their growth and development, meet the biological characteristics of orchids, to ensure their good growth and flowering. Several tasks need to be done specifically.
1. Choosing the Right Pot and Cultivation Soil
For general home orchid cultivation, it is still better to choose a clay pot. For decorative purposes and to enhance aesthetics, a colorful glazed ceramic pot can be placed outside the clay pot. The size of the pot should be such that the orchid roots can fully spread out inside it. The potting soil is best to use orchid soil. It can also be mixed by hand. A mixture of 6 parts of decomposed leaf soil or peat, 3 parts of sandy soil, and 1 part of cake fertilizer can be used, or 5 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts of compost soil, and 2 parts of coarse sand can be mixed evenly. Potting methods can be found in: Common Knowledge and Cultivation Techniques of Orchid Buying.
2. Watering Properly
Watering orchids is a regular task and a crucial aspect of successful orchid cultivation. The potting soil of orchids should always be kept moist but avoid excessive water content. The amount of water should be determined based on the season and the growth stage of the orchid. Generally, starting from spring, as the temperature rises, orchids enter the vigorous growth period, and the amount of water should be gradually increased, watering once every 1-2 days; in summer, with high temperatures and the peak growth period of orchids, it is usually advisable to water once in the morning and once in the evening, avoiding midday watering. During the rainy season, the amount of watering should be adjusted according to the amount of rain and the moisture level of the potting soil, avoiding waterlogging and root rot. In the late autumn, as the temperature starts to drop, the amount of watering should be gradually reduced, watering once every 2-3 days; in winter, with low temperatures, most orchids enter a dormant period, and watering should be controlled, watering once every 5-7 days, while for orchids that bloom in winter, such as black orchids and cold orchids, the amount of watering should be slightly more.
3. Applying Fertilizer Carefully
Fertilizing orchids should use thin fertilizer, avoiding thick fertilizer, as there is a saying, "clean orchids, muddy jasmine." Generally, newly planted orchids should not be fertilized in the first year; fertilization starts from Qingming ( Tomb Sweeping Day) and continues until the beginning of autumn. Fertilize 1-2 times a month with fully decomposed thin cake fertilizer water. Since orchids have fleshy roots, do not apply fertilizer that has not been decomposed, to avoid root rot. Before each fertilization, stop watering for 1-2 days, and apply fertilizer when the potting soil is slightly dry. The next morning after fertilization, water once to prevent impurities in the fertilizer solution from contaminating the roots. When applying liquid fertilizer, avoid spilling on the leaves. For orchids that have been cultivated for several years and have reached flowering age, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in the early stage to promote the germination and rapid growth of new buds, while phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied in the later stage, which is beneficial for the enlargement of pseudobulbs, thick leaves, and providing enough nutrients for flower bud differentiation. Specifically, it is advisable to apply liquid fertilizer with a focus on phosphorus and potassium twice before flower bud differentiation in autumn each year; during the bud formation period, first wash the leaves with clean water in the evening on a sunny day, then spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves and leaf backs with a small sprayer, or apply wood ash water to the roots. This type of foliar application is beneficial for the development of orchid roots, stems, and flowers. About 20 days after the flowers fade, apply liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer with a focus on nitrogen twice to promote plant growth. Do not fertilize on rainy days or during the winter dormant period.
4. Appropriate Lighting
Orchids prefer a shady and cool environment and are sensitive to direct sunlight. Therefore, in the north, from April to the first ten days of May, they can be exposed to some sunlight in the morning before 9 o'clock, and after mid-May, they need to be shaded. They should be placed in a cool and well-ventilated area for cultivation, especially in summer, the degree of shading should be higher, avoiding direct exposure to the sun. Chinese orchids have varying degrees of shade tolerance, with black orchids being the most tolerant, followed by autumn orchids, while spring orchids and summer orchids require more sunlight. Light is an important factor in the formation of orchid flower buds, although orchids need appropriate shading during their growth period in spring, summer, and autumn, keeping orchids in the shade all the time without exposing them to sunlight will also affect flower bud differentiation, resulting in fewer or no flowers. Therefore, after the cool autumn, all kinds of orchids should be exposed to more sunlight or placed in a room with bright scattered light and good ventilation; in winter, they should be placed near the south window to receive more sunlight, to enhance their vitality and promote flower bud differentiation. Especially for black orchids and cold orchids that bloom in winter, they should be placed in a sunny indoor area in winter, as no sunlight can lead to poor flowering.
In summary, cultivating orchids should follow the principles of "not going out in spring, avoiding direct sunlight in summer, not drying out in autumn, and not getting too wet in winter." This means avoiding cold wind in spring and not moving them outdoors; avoiding direct sunlight in summer and placing them in a cool and well-ventilated area; avoiding dry potting soil in autumn, as this is the orchid's flowering period and the amount of watering should be increased appropriately; and in winter, with orchids in a dormant state, too much water can cause root rot, so the principle of alternating wet and dry should be followed.
The above is the complete content on the method of orchid cultivation in the north, which green plant enthusiasts can refer to.