What kind of soil is best for cultivating下山兰 (Dongshan Orchid)?
The editor introduces the best soil for cultivating下山lan and shares some beginner's tips on orchid soil mix and plant cultivation experience. Keep reading!
Dongshan Orchid, as the name implies, refers to the wild orchids freshly dug from the mountains or those that have been cultivated for a while but have not bloomed or produced new seedlings, also known as raw herbs. Dongshan Orchid, due to its wild growth, has good resistance and is easy to cultivate and survive, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Of course, the pursuit of rare and famous orchid varieties by orchid hunters is not discussed here. It is important to remind everyone that wild orchids are now protected plants and should not be dug up privately. I have also recommended beginners to cultivate Dongshan Orchid, but one issue is how to help the orchid adapt to the pot and root quickly. Let's discuss this issue today.
Firstly, the timing of introduction should be appropriate. Similar to introducing other orchids, it is best to choose their peak growing season, which is generally spring and autumn. During these seasons, orchids grow most vigorously, and with proper care after potting, new roots will appear within a month, and new buds will significantly grow. Experienced growers can also introduce orchids in summer and winter, especially in winter. Provided that the orchids are not frostbitten, after a winter of acclimatization, they will grow very fast in the spring, with new seedlings and flower buds developing quickly.
Secondly, it is best to use native soil. For beginner orchid enthusiasts, when introducing Dongshan Orchid, if they can bring some native orchid soil, it is very beneficial for the orchid to adapt and root. The native soil is rich in orchid bacteria, and since the orchid has already adapted to this type of soil, the acclimatization period after potting will be significantly reduced, making care simpler. If there is no native soil, it is best to use similar planting materials that are loose, breathable, water-absorbent, and nutritious.
Thirdly, do not disinfect or sterilize. This is very important for wild orchids. For orchids cultivated in greenhouses, we generally recommend disinfection and sterilization because large-scale cultivation can lead to various diseases. Especially before shipping, the orchid dealers will trim the roots, leaving wounds that can be exploited by bacteria during transit, so it's best to sterilize. However, wild orchids have very strong disease resistance and rarely carry bacteria. Disinfectants kill more beneficial bacteria than anything else, which is not worth it.
What kind of soil is best for cultivating下山兰 (Dongshan Orchid)?
Fourthly, wash, trim, and air-dry the roots. In the wild, Dongshan Orchid leaves, especially near the pseudobulbs, can harbor many eggs. We need to wash them thoroughly with water and clean all the dirty areas. The roots of Dongshan Orchid are usually horizontal, commonly known as flying roots, and we generally need to prune them for easy potting. If introduced in spring or autumn, the pruning can be more aggressive without affecting the growth of new roots. When air-drying the roots, be sure to cover the crystal head and leaves with a damp towel until the wounds heal and scab over before potting.
Fifthly, the focus is on less watering. In the wild, Dongshan Orchid grows on gentle slopes, and the overall position of the roots is relatively dry. Therefore, after potting, it is not advisable to water excessively. Instead, a slightly dry care is preferable. You can use a spray bottle to increase air humidity and try to imitate the wild environment.
Here is a detailed introduction to the best soil for cultivating Dongshan Orchid and the soil mix for beginner orchid cultivation. Have you understood it?