How can the leaves of orchids be made glossy and lush, and how to maintain the luster and lushness of orchid leaves?

When orchids are not flowering, the main focus is on the leaves. Keeping the leaves green, glossy, and flowing can provide as much ornamental value as when the orchids are flowering. However, some orchid enthusiasts find that their orchid leaves always look yellow and lack luster.

Now is the time to grow healthy orchid leaves. Pay attention to three small details, and the leaves will be浓绿油亮 with a sheen, offering beauty comparable to when they are flowering.

First Point, Soil:

“First take care of the roots of the orchid, and the key to taking care of the roots is the planting material,” the quality of the orchid roots directly affects the growth of the leaves. The requirements for the use of planting material are loose and breathable, without compaction or waterlogging, and slightly acidic with light fertilizer.

It is recommended to mix one-third each of pine bark, akadama soil, and pine needle soil, and then add one-tenth of pearl rock. This planting material is one of the best for growing orchids.

Second Point, Light:

Orchids actually like light, but they are slightly shade-tolerant. Because they are sensitive to strong light, they are considered plants that do not like light.

As long as the temperature of the orchid is not higher than 28 degrees Celsius, it can be maintained in a position with sufficient light. However, under high temperatures, water evaporates quickly, and the balance between water absorption by the roots and evaporation cannot be maintained, so shading is needed during high temperatures.

Sufficient light allows orchids to photosynthesize better, and photosynthesis is a necessary process for producing chlorophyll.

Providing more light to orchids when the temperature is suitable helps form chlorophyll, which directly affects the health of the leaves. The leaves need more chlorophyll to be green and glossy.

Third Point, Fertilizing:

Whether an orchid is healthy or not can be seen from its leaves. If the leaves are short, yellow, and thin, it indicates that the orchid lacks nitrogen fertilizer.

“Nitrogen fertilizer” mainly promotes leaf growth, so during the non-flowering period of orchids, fertilizing can lean towards supplementing nitrogen fertilizer. Of course, this is under the condition that "nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium" are not much lacking, and by leaning towards nitrogen fertilizer, the leaves can be sturdy and green.

Fourth, Watering and Humidity:

Orchids require a higher humidity level, ideally reaching 65% or more. Orchids with insufficient humidity have rough leaves and do not fully expand at the edges.

During maintenance, "if humidity is insufficient, use misting to make up for it." It is common to mist twice a day, in the morning and evening, and 3 to 5 times a day during high temperatures and dryness.

Overwatering orchids can cause root rot and yellow leaves, while insufficient water can lead to withered roots and yellow leaves. The watering method is generally based on the moisture of the planting material, following the principle of "not watering when dry and watering thoroughly when watering." However, it should be flexible, with less watering in spring and winter and more in summer and autumn.

If tap water is used for watering, it is best to let it sit in a container for about 3 days before watering. Water that is slightly neutral can also cause an unsuitable root environment, leading to yellow leaves and root rot.

The above shares the complete introduction on how to make orchid leaves shiny and luxuriant, hoping it can be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more gardening experience and common knowledge!