The Correct Method for Watering Orchids
Abstract: This article provides an explanation of the correct methods and experiences for watering orchids, as well as insights into green plants and flowers. Let's dive into the introduction by the editor.
The Correct Method for Watering Orchids (Based on Experience): "Three years of watering is the secret to successful orchid care," this is a saying in the orchid community. Is the watering method crucial to orchid care? How to water orchids correctly and reasonably? Here is a brief description of my orchid care process and watering methods for reference.
Orchids are a loved flower by many, with their graceful posture and the deep, enchanting fragrance that captivates both the eyes and the nose, giving people a sense of returning to nature and a feeling of simplicity. However, orchids are not easy to grow. Often, despite great efforts in management and care, it is hard to see the orchids bloom, leaving people feeling disheartened and helpless. Many orchid enthusiasts say, "Understanding orchid care is easy, but mastering watering takes three years." Is this really true? I have learned from personal experience, and the reasons for my losses are explained below.
Using unreasonable planting materials for orchids will not benefit the plant's growth, no matter how much attention you pay to watering. As everyone knows, except for tissue-cultured seedlings, the best natural growing environment for orchids is under sparse forest canopies, in decomposed leaf soil. This type of soil is loose, breathable, and water-retaining, rich in nutrients, which is the most suitable growing medium for orchid flesh roots. Why? The loose and breathable soil prevents the orchid roots from rotting due to waterlogging, while the fertility of the humus soil meets the growth needs of orchids. In the past, when I grew orchids, I mostly used garden soil, which, although rich in nutrients, was not suitable for orchid root development and growth. Every time I watered, there was poor water retention, resulting in soil with excessive water content and a dry, crusted top layer, while the bottom layer was moist. No matter what method you use, including watering when dry and watering thoroughly, it doesn't help. The orchids would unfortunately die.
Therefore, watering orchids is not the most important factor; the planting materials are more crucial. Later, under the guidance of a top orchid grower on the headlines, I used a method of mixing soft and hard planting materials. With this type of material to grow orchids, I finally tasted the joy of orchids in full bloom. In fact, the ratio of soft to hard planting materials is very simple: just use 50% pine needle humus soil, 30% decomposed pine bark, and 20% red brick coarse particles. There is no need for high-end materials like planting stones, snake wood, or pumice, as orchids can grow well with these materials. This material ratio allows for rain during rainy days (but not heavy rain), and watering when the soil is dry on cloudy days. I water once a week in the summer and once every half month in the winter, without considering the rule of watering when dry and watering thoroughly. I don't even use a bamboo stick to test the soil for watering. My principle is to water once every week or so, and the result is a pot full of blooming flowers. The accompanying illustrations are my orchids, which may not be valuable, but they are thriving with enchanting fragrance.
In summary, while orchid watering methods are necessary, the planting materials should also be considered. Incorrect material ratios will not help, no matter how hard you try to water. This is my experience in orchid care; whether you believe it or not is up to you.
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