Environmental conditions required for growing orchids at home
A comprehensive explanation of the knowledge topics about orchids, a member of the Orchidaceae family, the environmental conditions required for growing orchids at home. The following is a detailed explanation by the editor:
Like other plants, orchids come in many varieties and have diverse growing environments, making it difficult to have a universal cultivation method. However, they all require adjustments to water, nutrients, temperature, and lighting. To grow orchids well, attention should be paid to the following aspects:
Temperature
Different orchids have different temperature requirements. For example, Cymbidium and Eulophia are more cold-tolerant, with a winter temperature of about 6°C being beneficial for their bud development. If the temperature exceeds 12°C, the flower buds formed in autumn can easily wither underground or fail to elongate, resulting in abnormal flowering. Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Cypripedium require higher temperatures in winter to survive and bloom normally. Generally speaking, the minimum temperature limit for growing orchids is 8°C, and the maximum limit is 35°C. The optimal temperature range for orchid care is between 18°C and 30°C. When the temperature drops to 8°C, the orchids should be brought indoors for winter, and when it rises to 10°C in early spring, they can be moved outside. You should try to place your orchids in an environment with the optimal temperature.
Water
The optimal air humidity for growing orchids at home is 60% to 70%. Water the potting mix when it is dry, and water thoroughly each time. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the pot to avoid root rot or even death, which is why there is a saying, "dry orchids, wet chrysanthemums." When the temperature is high or the air humidity is low, use a small spray bottle to spray the leaves and roots to cool down and increase humidity.
Nutrients
Orchids prefer light fertilization, and care should be taken not to damage the roots when fertilizing. Over-fertilization or excessive use of base fertilizer can cause the accumulation of toxic salts, harming the orchid roots and leading to death. Therefore, it's best not to use base fertilizer and instead apply diluted liquid fertilizer more frequently, avoiding thick fertilizers and excessive application at once. The season for orchid fertilization should start from late spring and end in late autumn, focusing on the growing season. There are special compound fertilizers for orchids that can be used after diluting them at a ratio of 1:400-500.
Light
In nature, most orchids grow in moist, shaded valleys under sparse forests with rich humus in slightly acidic soil, adapting to this environment. Therefore, orchids prefer semi-shade, moisture, and avoid strong light. Generally, 50% to 60% shading is required in winter, and 70% to 85% shading in summer. No shading is needed on cloudy days, and placing them in a slightly sunny area indoors is sufficient, avoiding direct sunlight.
Ventilation
In nature, most orchids grow in environments with good air circulation, so they need a loose, well-ventilated growing medium and a clean environment with good air circulation. To grow orchids well, attention should be paid to ventilation, including the air circulation around the roots and maintaining some distance between the orchid plants. Keeping fresh air around the orchids is beneficial for photosynthesis and respiration. Ventilation can also regulate and lower the temperature and inhibit the breeding and spread of diseases and pests.
The full content about the environmental conditions required for growing orchids at home, as described above, is hoped to be helpful for green plant enthusiasts!