Can orchids be exposed to rain? How to care for orchids
Share with everyone about whether orchids can be exposed to rain and how to care for orchids, as well as the correct watering methods for green plants and flowers. Next, the editor will introduce to you.
Recently, there has been a lot of cloudy and rainy weather, and many friends think of moving the indoor green plants outdoors to be exposed to the rain. Some friends want to move the orchids outside to be exposed to the rain but are worried about problems and hesitate, consulting me. Today, let's talk about this topic:
First of all, make sure of one thing: whether orchids can be exposed to rain. Many friends have told me that they cannot, as orchids will rot after being exposed to rain. Some friends have told me that it's okay to be exposed to rain, as wild orchids outdoors are always exposed to rain and grow vigorous after being exposed to rain. These two completely different opinions are both facts, so which one should we listen to?
Let's first talk about the ancestors of orchids at home—the wild orchids. Do wild orchids get exposed to rain outdoors? Certainly. Then, have wild orchids never had problems after being exposed to rain? Certainly not, but we see fewer of them. Some people arbitrarily say that wild orchids are not afraid of rain, which is not correct.
So, can orchids be exposed to rain? Certainly, they can, but you need to pay attention to the method.
Next, let's talk about the benefits and disadvantages of orchids being exposed to rain.
Benefits:
Firstly, rainwater is rich in nutrients. Rainwater contains more nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, usually with a pH value of around 5.6, which is weakly acidic, very suitable for orchids, especially for friends in the north, where tap water is alkaline. Appropriate exposure to rain can improve the pH value of the potting mix, making the orchids grow more comfortably. The nitrogen fertilizer in rainwater can also promote orchid growth. This is also one of the important reasons why ancient people considered rainwater as the best choice for watering orchids.
Secondly, rainwater can wash away the dust on the orchid leaves, which is beneficial for the leaves to open the stomata and strengthen respiration. For friends who keep orchids on balconies, if they do not pay attention to spraying water on the leaves, thick dust will accumulate on the leaves, which not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the leaves but is also unfavorable for orchid growth. Appropriate exposure to rain can solve this problem well. In the drizzle, the leaves are washed clean and shiny, and the blocked stomata are opened, allowing smooth respiration and vigorous growth.
Thirdly, rainwater can wash away the exhaust gas in the orchid pot, making it easier for the orchid roots to breathe fresh air. Usually, when we water orchids, the most important reason is to provide water for the orchid growth, and another important reason is to carry away the exhaust gas produced by the fermentation of the potting mix and the respiration of the orchid roots. Many friends, when watering, often only water halfway or just water through and then ignore it. In fact, you can water a bit longer. Under the long wash of rainwater, the impurities and harmful substances in the orchid pot can flow out with the rainwater, opening up channels and detoxifying, making the orchids grow more lively.
Can orchids be exposed to rain? How to care for orchids
Disadvantages:
If the method is incorrect, exposure to rain can also cause some harm:
Firstly, the orchid leaves may be damaged. Everyone knows that there are more暴雨 in summer, especially when风雨 are mixed. The leaves can grind against each other, and if the impact of rainwater is too strong, the leaves can break, creating wounds that give diseases a chance to invade the orchid seedlings, posing a certain risk to the orchids.
Secondly, the pseudobulbs can be contaminated and become sick. When reading ancient orchid books, we often come across the issue of mulching. Nowadays, many people also mulch. The main purpose of ancient mulching was to plant grass on the pot surface, which has its own considerations. Not only does it look good, but it also prevents rain from splashing soil onto the pseudobulbs and leaves, easily causing diseases. With the buffering of the pot surface grass, this phenomenon will decrease significantly. Modern people mostly use granular potting mix, so there is no need to worry about this factor when it rains.
Thirdly, the new buds may rot. A drizzle can give the orchids a comprehensive wash. Especially for newly opened buds, if they are filled with water, it is quite difficult to dry them. If not dealt with promptly, it can easily cause the new buds to rot and affect the survival of the old buds.
Finally, let's talk about how to water orchids with rain:
If you want to water orchids with rain, you need to do the basic work well, the most important of which is to choose the right potting mix and pot. The potting mix should be loose and breathable, with good drainage, and the pot should have drainage holes and not accumulate water. With these conditions in place, you can safely expose orchids to rain.
Firstly, heavy rain is not suitable. As mentioned earlier, too strong rain can cause a lot of impact on orchids. If the orchids are moved outdoors without tall trees, bamboo groves, or shrubbery to reduce the impact, the damage to the orchids can be very severe. A heavy rain can make the leaves look dreadful, and if there are new or flower buds, the damage can be even greater.
Secondly, ice rain is not suitable. Ice rain occurs at lower temperatures and can easily cause frost damage, especially in early spring and late autumn. You should observe temperature changes before deciding whether to expose the orchids to rain. Once frost damage occurs, the leaves will suffer irreversible damage and affect the overall nutritional growth of the orchids.
Thirdly, avoid long exposure to rain. When I water orchids with rain, I use the rain from the middle to the back, usually controlling the time to about two hours. If it's too long, the orchid roots will be soaked in rainwater for a long time, affecting their respiration and easily causing bacterial growth and rot.
Fourthly, avoid "overcloud rain". "Overcloud rain" is a local term for extremely hot summer days when a cloud passes by and brings rain briefly, with high temperatures. This type of rain is very harmful to orchid growth. Why? This rain makes the ground wet but does not completely wet the orchid pot. The heat in the pot has not dissipated, creating a hot-cold environment, which can easily cause the orchid roots to rot. If you haven't had time to bring them inside, you should take remedial measures immediately, water thoroughly with clear water several times, and place them in a cool and well-ventilated area. Generally, there won't be too big a problem.
So, is everything fine after being exposed to rain? Not really. After being exposed to rain, post-treatment is also necessary, otherwise, orchids that have been kept indoors for a long time can easily have problems.
The most important thing is to ensure ventilation. Since ancient times, ventilation has been considered the first principle of caring for orchids. After rain, ventilation is necessary to dry the moisture in the orchid leaf hearts in time and prevent leaf heart rot.
Secondly, it is important to sterilize promptly. Although rain is a good thing, it also contains many bacteria, especially after the rain when bacteria can easily multiply. It is important to spray with a fungicide to prevent orchid rotting.
Finally, observe the orchid seedlings carefully. The first principle is to ensure ventilation, and the second is to be vigilant at all times. If all the previous precautions are taken and the orchid seedlings still develop diseases, it is better not to expose them to rain easily. After all, the quality of commercial orchid seedlings is mixed, and you might end up buying greenhouse seedlings or chemically treated seedlings, which have poor resistance and are easily sick. Try to create a good environment for them until they have grown into your own orchid seedlings.
The above is a detailed explanation of whether orchids can be exposed to rain, how to care for orchids, and the correct watering methods from [www.lvzhimi.com], for everyone's reference and suggestion!