How to deal with the emergence of a flower spike in orchids
For concerned netizens, a detailed explanation on how to handle the emergence of a flower spike in orchids and the related experience in flower planting, the editor will introduce the following.
Hello everyone, I am Plant Insect, who loves greening and flower cultivation. We are always excited when we see an orchid flower spike, as it signifies a harvest for the year. However, how should we care for the orchid when it starts to sprout a flower spike? If the flower spike is not properly cared for, it can become bent or the buds may fall off, resulting in a wasted year.
Key point: It's not easy to see a flower spike, and the presence of a spike indicates that the year has not been wasted, and one can enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the flowers. However, negligence can lead to a withered spike or the inability to draw out the spike. Now that it's winter, it's important to prevent frostbite, provide adequate nutrition, low-temperature vernalization, ensure good ventilation, and avoid watering the spike or preventing diseases and pests. After seeing the spike in orchids, doing these six points will result in a full and strong flower spike without bending or falling off.
1. It is not recommended to water the flower spike
After seeing the flower spike, many orchid enthusiasts are very excited, and sometimes they may be careless when watering. It is often seen that some orchid enthusiasts cause rot by watering the orchid spike, leading to the gradual withering and falling off of the plump spike. Therefore, when watering orchids, it is recommended to water low, pouring slowly along the edge of the pot, and usually spray water on the orchid and environment to maintain humidity.
2. Nutrition
Seeing a flower spike on an orchid does not mean that everything is fine and there is no need to supplement nutrition. This is not the case, which is why many people later experience bent spikes that do not bloom. Therefore, after seeing a flower spike, if using hard granular growing medium that is already nutrient-poor, it is recommended to water with some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and adding some trace elements is even better.
How to deal with the emergence of a flower spike in orchids
3. Frost prevention
It is now winter, and the temperature is gradually decreasing. Our low-temperature vernalization environment is around 0 degrees. If the temperature drops below minus 10 degrees, it is best to take frost protection measures for the flower spike, either by moving it indoors for insulation or by covering the spike with a small bag to keep warm and prevent frost. Frost prevention is a topic in the north, while it is rarely an issue in the south.
4. Vernalization
After seeing a flower spike, to achieve a better bloom, it is recommended to place the orchid in a low-temperature environment for vernalization when the temperature is constantly around 0 degrees for about two months. You will be greatly surprised by the fullness of the bloom later. Of course, some orchids may bloom without low-temperature vernalization, but the petal shape will be slightly inferior.
5. Prevention and control of diseases and pests
Diseases such as anthracnose and black spot are common, while pests like scale insects, heart-eating insects, and leaf-rolling insects can cause wounds to the orchid's flower spike. Severe pest infestations can lead to the buds falling off, resulting in a wasted excitement. Therefore, it is important to observe, especially in well-ventilated environments where diseases and pests are more likely to occur.