How to care for orchids to keep them thriving
A detailed introduction on how to care for orchids to keep them thriving and the cultivation and maintenance of green plants and flowers related to orchids. Let's take a look together.
Since ancient times, the Chinese people have loved, cultivated, celebrated, and painted orchids. Orchids symbolize purity and elegance and are known along with plum blossoms, bamboo, and chrysanthemums as the "Four Gentlemen." They are a preferred choice for many orchid enthusiasts to display in living rooms and decorate studies. Orchids are simple and unassuming, with evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers that offer high ornamental value. Moreover, they are very easy to cultivate. It is usually recommended to choose a tall orchid pot and use humus soil as the potting mix. For daily maintenance, it is enough to fertilize regularly during the growing and flowering periods, water on time to keep the soil moist, maintain a temperature between 16-24°C, and repot every 1-2 years. Next, we will discuss the cultivation methods of orchids, including soil selection, fertilizing methods, watering methods, temperature requirements, and repotting requirements.
1. Soil Selection:
The soil for growing orchids should be loose, fertile, well-ventilated, and slightly acidic. It is recommended to use humus-based soil, such as decomposed leaf soil or mountainous humus soil.
2. Fertilizing Methods:
During the growing period of orchids, you can choose a thin solution of 15% decomposed cake fertilizer or a mixture of 0.1% urea fertilizer and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer, applied every 15-20 days. Before and during the flowering period, you can spray the leaves with 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or wood ash water 2-3 times to promote the development of roots, stems, and flowers. Note that raw fertilizer should not be used to avoid root rot.
3. Watering Methods:
Watering orchids can be adjusted according to the season, with watering every 2-3 days in spring and autumn. In summer, which is the peak growing season for orchids, water can be given 1-2 times a day, and a little water can be sprayed on the leaves to increase humidity and promote the growth and development of the orchids. Additionally, orchids have specific requirements for irrigation water; rainwater is best, and if tap water is used, it should be left to sit for 2-3 days before use.
4. Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature for orchid growth is between 16-24°C. If it is colder in winter, maintaining a room temperature of about 10°C is suitable. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid direct sunlight.
5. Repotting Requirements:
The pot for growing orchids should be top-heavy and bottom-light, with multiple drainage holes or drainage holes set in the pot wall. Repotting should be done every 1-2 years. During repotting, it is advisable to remove withered, yellow, and diseased leaves to allow for better ventilation.
Have you understood the detailed introduction on how to care for orchids to keep them thriving and their cultivation and maintenance?