How to cultivate the tiger head orchid
The article briefly discusses how to cultivate tiger head orchids and provides detailed knowledge on the care of this plant. It's some very useful tips, recommended for bookmarking!
Tiger head orchid is a general term for most large-flowered epiphytic species in the genus Cymbidium. It is a perennial evergreen epiphytic herb with a flower stem that is nearly erect or slightly curved, reaching 60-80cm in length, and bearing 6-12 flowers. The flowers of the tiger head orchid are large, about 8-10cm in diameter, usually yellow-green with purple-red patterns, and some are white with a slight fragrance.
Tiger head orchids prefer a warm and humid environment, and the cultivation medium should have good drainage and ventilation. They are usually planted in porous clay pots or wooden frames, using materials like fern roots, peat moss, bark chunks, charcoal chunks, or broken tiles. Tiger head orchids enjoy high humidity and ample water. Therefore, during the growing season, it is suitable to keep the cultivation medium moist and frequently spray water around the plant and its roots to increase humidity, which is beneficial for growth and development.
After flowering, tiger head orchids will enter a short period of dormancy during which watering should be reduced. During the growing season, apply a dilute cake fertilizer once every two weeks, or use granular fertilizer made from cake fertilizer, with 5-8 granules buried in the potting medium during the spring and summer seasons. As the fertilizer dissolves over time, it can supply the roots for an extended period. This method is also applicable to other types of epiphytic orchids.
Compared to national orchids, tiger head orchids prefer more sunlight but should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can easily cause sunburn and reduce ornamental value. In summer, shading is required to block 60% or more of the sunlight. In late autumn, full sunlight can be provided, and in winter, the plant should be placed in a sunny indoor location to promote bud differentiation and blooming. If the plant is kept in overly shaded conditions for an extended period, it will grow weakly, the leaves will not stand upright, and bud formation will be affected.
The optimal temperature for the growth of tiger head orchids is between 10-25 degrees Celsius. The overwintering temperature should not be too high, and the night temperature should not fall below 10 degrees Celsius. The potting soil used for planting cannot be the same as that for Chinese orchids or common flowers, as poor aeration and water permeability in the pot can easily lead to root rot. Propagation of tiger head orchids is mainly done through division, preferably in early spring, between March and April.
Division Propagation: After flowering, when the new buds have not yet grown large and the plant is in a brief dormant period, the potting medium should be kept slightly dry to make the plant roots slightly white or soft, making them less likely to break during handling. After dividing the old plant, trim the yellow leaves and decaying roots without injuring the new buds. After planting, water thoroughly and then place the pot in a scattered light area. Once new roots emerge, ensure ample water.
The above sharing on how to cultivate tiger head orchids and detailed care knowledge may bring a little help to your life!