How to care for Dendrobium officinale to prevent it from dying
Known as the 'king of medicinal plants,' Dendrobium officinale is highly sought after for its unique medicinal value, but its fragile growth characteristics have proven challenging for many growers. This article will systematically analyze seven core cultivation techniques to help you create a suitable micro-ecological environment for its growth.
I. Building a Pest and Disease Prevention System
1. Air Circulation Management Plan
Ensure at least 4 hours of convective air circulation daily, which can be achieved by a combination of timed window opening and circulation fan strategies, maintaining environmental humidity between 55%-65%, effectively inhibiting the spread of mold spores.
2. Standard for Diseased and Disabled Body Disposal
When brown spots appear on the leaves, cut 2cm beyond the healthy tissue at an oblique angle and apply charcoal powder to the incision to isolate the pathogen. Conduct regular inspections every Wednesday and Sunday to promptly remove fallen leaves and branches.
II. Precision Watering Control System
1. Substrate Moisture Determination Method
Adopt the 'three-layer detection method': the surface layer (1cm) should be dry, the middle layer slightly moist, and the bottom layer completely wet as the best time for watering. Water 200ml every 72 hours in spring and autumn, and increase to every 48 hours in summer.
2. Water Quality Selection Standard
preferably use electrolyzed weakly acidic water (pH 5.8-6.3), and if tap water is used, let it stand for 48 hours and add 0.3% citric acid to adjust. In winter, the water temperature should not differ from the room temperature by more than 3℃.
III. Smart Temperature Control Implementation Plan
1. Day-Night Temperature Difference Regulation
Maintain a golden temperature difference range of 25-28℃ during the day and 18-20℃ at night. Use a dual system of underfloor heating and air heating in winter to ensure that the substrate temperature does not drop below 15℃.
2. Response to Extreme Weather
During high-temperature alerts, use a combination of shade nets and micro-sprinkler systems to reduce leaf surface temperature by 4-6℃. When a cold wave arrives, use PE insulation covers with intermittent operation of heaters.
IV. Light and Shadow Balance Adjustment Plan
1.分级 Management of Light Intensity
Keep scattered light at 8000-10000lux during the seedling stage and increase to 15000lux for mature plants, but avoid direct sunlight from 11:00-14:00. Use a 60% aluminum foil shade net for dynamic adjustment.
2. Light Cycle Control Technology
Maintain a 12-hour light/12-hour darkness cycle in spring and autumn, reduce to 10 hours in summer, and extend to 14 hours with supplementary lights in winter to promote nutrient accumulation.
By constructing a four-in-one care system of temperature, light, water, and air, combined with regular testing and dynamic adjustments, even beginners can achieve an ideal state of 3-5 new stems per year for Dendrobium officinale. It is recommended to conduct EC value tests monthly and slightly adjust the care parameters based on the plant's growth.