How to care for spring orchids
This article introduces the topics related to the cultivation of spring orchids, including how to care for them and the techniques for raising spring orchids. Details are as follows:
With the rise in temperature in spring, orchids begin to sprout new buds and enter a period of rapid growth. The maintenance and management during this stage should also keep up, such as ensuring sufficient water and fertilizer, and avoiding direct sunlight. For some varieties that have finished flowering, if they have not been repotted and divided for a long time, this period can be used to replace the planting material, so that the plants can grow vigorously.
I. Spring Repotting
1. The timing for repotting orchids is generally in spring and autumn, and spring is the period of vigorous plant growth. Repotting at this time allows the plants to recover faster. If the plants have not been repotted for a long time and the seedlings have filled the pot, you can choose to replace the soil in spring. For some varieties that have finished flowering, such as spring orchids and black orchids, you can also divide them at the same time.
Stop watering a few days in advance to keep the potting mix slightly dry, then lift the plant from the pot, shake off the medium on top, and rinse clean with water before drying. When dividing, 3 to 5 seedlings can be grouped together. After dividing, you can use 0.1% potassium permanganate or carbendazim to sterilize and disinfect the roots, then dry them before planting in separate pots.
2. Orchids have high requirements for the potting mix. Ordinary soil is not suitable for them. Prepare the potting mix in advance when repotting, using more decomposed pine needles, bark, peanut shells, etc. The mix should ensure good water permeability and aeration, as well as rich nutritional content to benefit plant growth.
II. Watering Requirements
With the warm weather, the plants start to grow and develop, and their demand for water increases. You can appropriately increase the amount of water. Especially for potting mix with good water permeability and aeration, the potting soil dries faster, so you should frequently check the moisture level and replenish water in a timely manner. When watering orchids, make sure to water thoroughly until the water flows out from the bottom of the pot. As long as there is no waterlogging in the pot, there is usually no need to worry about root rot due to excessive watering.
How to care for spring orchids
With the increase in temperature, the weather will also become dry. It is necessary to frequently spray the orchids to increase the humidity of the environment, which is beneficial for plant growth.
III. Supplementing Nutrition
To ensure that the plants have sufficient nutrients to maintain growth and development, it is necessary to supplement some nutrients during the period of vigorous plant growth in spring. Generally, every half a month, fertilize with a dilute solution of fertilizer. For plants about to bloom, you can add some phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote flowering.
Usually, you can also ferment some organic fertilizers like sheep manure and soybean cake, and apply them to the potting soil. This can improve the soil and supplement nutrients, promoting vigorous plant growth.
IV. Sun Protection
During the spring growing period, orchids also need sunlight. You can give them some scattered light for photosynthesis, which will make the plants grow stronger and more upright. However, do not place them directly under strong sunlight, especially in summer when the light intensity is high, as it can easily cause the plants to wilt and droop.
In the process of caring for orchids in spring, it is also important to prevent frost, as early spring has unstable temperatures and large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended not to move the orchids outdoors too early to avoid sudden temperature drops that could damage the plants.
The above introduction on how to care for spring orchids and the techniques for raising spring orchids provided by Green Enthusiast Network [www.lvzhimi.com] are for reference by netizens.