How to cultivate orchids to make them bloom easily
A comprehensive introduction on how to cultivate orchids to make them bloom easily and the correct methods for beginners to grow orchids in the aspect of green plants and flowers, next[] the editor will introduce.
Orchid flowers are simple and elegant, with evergreen leaves, soft yet rigid leaf texture, graceful and beautiful shapes, and are very pleasing even when not in bloom. Once they bloom, they fill the room with a subtle fragrance, and the scent is elegant and refreshing, making them deeply loved by orchid enthusiasts. Therefore, even though orchids are not easy to grow, many orchid enthusiasts still enjoy cultivating them. So what should beginners pay attention to in order to grow robust and blooming orchids?
1. Handling orchid roots
When potting orchids, it is necessary to handle the orchid roots properly so that the orchid can grow well after potting. How should this be done?
Suggestions for orchid root handling: The orchid needs to be treated before potting, which means after removing it from the pot, check if there are any problems with the roots. If there are, trim the roots and then rinse them gently in clear water with an old toothbrush. After the soil is washed off, place the orchid in a shaded and well-ventilated area until the roots turn white, have fine wrinkles, and are soft before dividing and potting.
2.注意事项 for potting
When potting orchids, the method must be correct, otherwise it can easily lead to the death of the orchid. How should we pot orchids?
Suggestions for potting: It is best to use a clay pot for planting orchids because this type of pot has better breathability and water permeability, making it easier for roots to grow. The chosen pot should have a large mouth and deep, with large drainage holes.
① Place a piece of window screen or bast at the bottom of the pot's drainage hole to reduce nutrient loss and prevent insects from entering the pot.
② Use broken tiles or mussel shells to make a steamed bun shape at the bottom of the pot. Then, cover it with a layer of coarse sand about 1cm thick. After that, fill in the coarse mountain soil particles until half the pot, then spread the orchid roots and place them around the pot to prevent the mountain soil particles from falling into the orchid's leaf heart.
③ Add mountain soil particles to about 2-3 cm below the pot, gently lift the orchid upwards to allow the roots to spread out, and then gently shake the pot to compact the soil, making the pot surface higher in the center and lower on the edges, like a steamed bun shape. Then, cover it with some small stones to prevent mud splashes on the orchid leaves when watering.
④ After watering thoroughly with a fine-mist spray bottle, place the pot in a shaded and well-ventilated area to harden off. During this period, do not water too much to keep the air slightly humid. Once the orchid has hardened off, it can be maintained normally.
3. Prefers shade and fears strong light
Orchids prefer a shaded and well-ventilated environment and are sensitive to strong sunlight. If the sunlight is too strong, it can easily cause sunburn on the tips of the orchid leaves. However, too little sunlight can also lead to poor growth.
Sunlight suggestion: Orchids prefer morning sunlight and dislike evening sunlight, hence the saying "Love morning sun, avoid evening sun." There is also a saying in orchid cultivation: "Do not expose to the sun in spring and summer." This means that during the summer, do not place orchids in full sunlight to prevent sunburn.
In winter, orchids can be appropriately exposed to sunlight. If the midday sun is too strong, shading is necessary. From late spring to early autumn, you can set up a sunshade net for orchids to prevent sunburn.
4. Watering should be dry, not wet
Orchid soil prefers to be dry and fears waterlogging, which can cause root rot. There is a saying, "Dry orchids, wet chrysanthemums." If too much water is given to orchids, waterlogging and root rot can easily occur. How should orchids be watered?
Watering suggestion: When watering orchids, wait until the soil is dry before giving a thorough watering. Since orchid roots contain a lot of moisture, excessive watering can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is best to use rainwater or river water when watering orchids. If tap water is used, it should be left to stand for more than 72 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using it to prevent soil compaction and poor root growth.
Although orchids do not like moist soil, they do enjoy a humid environment, so it is necessary to frequently spray water on the orchid pots and leaves and ensure good ventilation to prevent high temperature and humidity from causing diseases and pests. Also, during the slow growth period in winter, water should be controlled, with longer intervals between waterings to prevent the potting soil from being too moist and the temperature being low, which can cause orchid root rot due to low temperature.