How to care for orchids
Introduction: This article shares experience related to orchid cultivation and the correct care methods and precautions for growing orchids. Please see the detailed introduction below.
For thousands of years in China, there have been the Four Gentlemen of Mei (plum), Lan (orchid), Zhu (bamboo), and Ju (chrysanthemum), who have been loved by generations due to their elegant and modest qualities. As one of them, orchids have been cultivated in our country for more than two thousand years. The phrase "The autumn orchid is so pure, the green leaves and purple stems fill the hall with beauty" is an ancient eulogy. You must definitely want to keep a pot of orchids at home. So, how do you care for orchids? The following will discuss orchid cultivation methods.
【Orchid Cultivation Methods】
<1. Soil Selection>
If you want to grow orchids well, you can't do without good soil. Generally speaking, soil selection should be dominated by humus, using decomposed leaf soil or mountain humus soil. In southern regions, decomposed leaf soil, vermiculite, and perlite are used to artificially compound a loose, breathable, and water-permeable growing soil.
<2. Fertilization>
When orchids grow too lush, fertilization is essential. It is divided into two stages: one is to apply a base fertilizer in the growing soil, and the other is to apply top dressing during the growing period. During the orchid growing season, apply a thin solution of decomposed 15% cake fertilizer every two to three weeks, or a 0.1% urea fertilizer solution mixed with a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer solution. Orchids should be changed to new growing soil every year and not fertilized with uncomposted fertilizer to avoid root rot.
<3. Watering>
In spring and autumn, water every two to three days. In summer, with high temperatures, water one to two times a day. In winter, when the temperature is low and the orchids are dormant, water once a week. When watering, prevent water droplets from splashing on the leaves to avoid black spots. In summer, it is also necessary to sprinkle water around it to increase humidity. The best water quality is rainwater or snowwater. If using tap water, it is best to let it sit for a few days before using.
4. Temperature
How to grow orchids well
In the north, potted orchids should be moved indoors when the temperature drops to 5℃ around the time of Frost's Descent. In the initial stage of moving indoors, windows should be frequently opened to maintain air circulation. The indoor temperature in winter should be maintained at around 10℃. Move them outdoors after Guyu. The suitable temperature for orchid growth is 16-24℃, with a daytime temperature of 10-12℃ and a nighttime temperature of 5-10℃ in winter, and the summer temperature should not exceed 30℃.
<5. Light>
Orchids prefer shade and are afraid of direct sunlight. Therefore, proper shading should be done in spring, summer, and autumn. Generally, shading is done from 9 am to 6 pm, and the curtains are opened in the morning and after 6 pm to allow scattered sunlight. In winter, they can be moved to a place with diffused light indoors to avoid direct sunlight.
<6. Pruning>
During the growing period, orchids need to be pruned, such as removing old yellow leaves, which is beneficial for leaf growth. Especially for leaves with diseases, they should be pruned to prevent infection. The pruning shears should also be disinfected to prevent infection.
<7. Potting>
Orchids should be repotted every 1-2 years after flowering. When potting, first place 3 cm of tile pieces or炉渣 at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Then, add a layer of growing soil, place the orchid seedling in the center of the pot, straighten the roots, let them naturally stretch out, and then gently lift the orchid seedling halfway while shaking the pot to make the soil adhere closely to the roots. Fill the soil to 2-3 cm from the pot opening and gently press it down with your hands.
<Conclusion>
This article shares all the content about how to grow orchids well and the correct care methods and precautions for orchid cultivation. Green plant enthusiasts may refer to this for reference.