How to Care for Newly Purchased Cold Orchid
As a rare variety in the national orchid family, the cold orchid is highly favored for its elegant leaf posture and subtle fragrance. Beginners often damage the plant due to improper care after receiving the cold orchid. This article will systematically analyze the five core points of caring for cold orchids, from environmental control to daily management.
One, Key Pre-Potting Treatment for Cold Orchid
1.1 Plant Inspection and Disinfection
After unpacking, lay it flat in a shady place and focus on checking the root condition. When black-brown rotten roots are found, use a disinfected scissor to cut obliquely 1cm above the healthy tissue, then soak in a 5% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes, and hang to dry until the cut completely contracts before potting.
1.2 Special Pot Selection
The roots of cold orchids have aerial characteristics, so it is recommended to use high-footed orchid pots (height > 25cm), with the bottom 1/3 area paved with 3cm diameter ceramsite or volcanic rock, filled with red soil and coarse river sand (2:1) in the middle, and topped with a mix of pine bark and red jade soil (particle size 0.5cm).
Two, Five Core Elements of Cold Orchid Care
2.1 Precise Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C is beneficial for flower bud differentiation, with an ideal range of 25-28°C during the day and 18-20°C at night. In summer, use double-layer shade nets (70% light transmission) combined with atomized humidification, and in winter, keep the air humidity above 60% by laying sphagnum moss.
2.2 Intelligent Water Management
Use the "Three-Step Watering Method": first, check the substrate (top 2cm dry), second, check the leaves (leaf tip slightly curled), and third, check the season (spring and autumn 5-7 days/summer 3 days/winter 10 days). It is recommended to use a long-spouted pot to water slowly along the pot wall, combined with twice-weekly backleaf spraying.
2.3 Staged Fertilization Plan
In the germination stage (March-April), apply NPK 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer (2000 times liquid), and in the bud formation stage (September-October), switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-10), and after flowering, apply seaweed extract to promote rejuvenation. Note thin and frequent fertilization, with a single application not exceeding 200ml per pot.
2.4 Dynamic Light Management
In spring and autumn, receive morning light before 10 am (about 15000lux), and in summer, use scattered light for care (＜8000lux). Rotate the pot 45 degrees every half month, and use supplemental lights (4 hours daily) to prevent leaf crown bias.
Three, Advanced Care Techniques
Update the potting material every spring, retaining 1/3 of the protective soil. When encountering (T-J) disease, alternately spray ben醚甲环唑 (1500 times) and pyraclostrobin (1000 times), for 3 consecutive times with a 7-day interval. Through scientific care, cold orchids can maintain 2-3 new buds every year, achieving continuous enjoyment.