How to grow Cymbidium properly
The editor answers for the netizens on how to grow Cymbidium properly and shares some simple plant cultivation tips about the easiest way to handle Cymbidium, let's learn about it together.
Cymbidium is a plant of the Orchidaceae family. In addition to being cultivated as a potted plant indoors for people to enjoy, it also has high medicinal value. Its roots, stems, and leaves can all be used as medicine, with effects such as treating neurasthenia, tuberculosis, coughing, and treating fractures and injuries. Next, let's introduce the cultivation methods of Cymbidium.
1. Light
Cymbidium prefers semi-shade and cannot tolerate strong light. It is best to place it in a gentle diffused light environment for cultivation, especially in summer, strict shading is required; in spring and autumn, the pot can be moved outdoors at dawn and dusk to receive moderate sunlight; in winter, the duration of sunlight can be increased.
2. Watering
Due to the unique stoma structure of Cymbidium leaves, it does not lose water easily, so it has strong drought resistance. The watering frequency differs in different seasons. In spring and autumn, water about 3-4 times a week to keep the soil slightly moist; in summer, with high temperatures and rapid water evaporation, the watering frequency can be increased, about once a day to keep the soil moist, and water can also be sprayed around the plant to increase environmental humidity; in winter, the plant gradually enters a dormant period, and the watering frequency should be reduced.
3. Potting Soil
When choosing a pot, it is best to choose a clay pot and clean the pot with water before planting. The soil should be loose, fertile, well-draining, and well-ventilated with an acidic pH range of 5.5-6.5. For newly planted plants, use a granular, light, and clean soil, and after the new pot has acclimated to the environment, you can increase the content of humus in the soil.
4. Temperature
Cymbidium prefers warmth and is cold-tolerant but not heat-tolerant. The optimal temperature range for Cymbidium growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in summer, when the temperature is high, it is necessary to shade and cool the plant in time; in winter, when the temperature drops below zero, the plant will enter a dormant state but will not wither and die. In spring, during the flowering period, the temperature should be maintained above 10 degrees Celsius for the plant to bloom normally.
5. Fertilization
When fertilizing, follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently, avoid using thick or raw fertilizer, and generally use diluted liquid fertilizer. The fertilization period and frequency are once or twice a month during the period from late spring to early autumn. Stop fertilizing when the temperature is too high to avoid burning the roots; also, do not fertilize newly planted Cymbidium until the second year, and be careful not to splash fertilizer on the leaves when fertilizing.
6. Pruning
Pruning mainly includes dividing pots and thinning buds. Dividing pots refers to removing old, weak, and diseased seedlings for newly planted Cymbidium in the first 1-2 years to concentrate nutrients on healthy seedlings; thinning buds means removing excess flower buds after they form, leaving only the best-looking and most colorful one to ensure the quality of flowering and the length of the flowering period. During the flowering period of Cymbidium, the flowers should also be pruned, preferably not waiting until after the flowering period is over. Within half a month after flowering, cut off the flowers and stems together to ensure the plant has more abundant nutrients the following year.
7. Diseases and Pests
Fungal diseases and anthracnose are the main diseases of Cymbidium, and scale insects are the main pests. If the plant is infected with fungal diseases and anthracnose, cut off the infected branches and leaves to prevent infection, then spray the plant with a diluted solution of pentachloronitrobenzene and zineb; if pest infestation occurs, use a diluted solution of dimethoate emulsion to spray the pests.
The above is the complete introduction to how to grow Cymbidium properly and the simplest handling methods for Cymbidium, for everyone to learn and understand!