How to care for and manage Dendrobium after blooming
In comparison with the topic of how most people care for and manage plants after the flowers of Dendrobium have faded, the following article introduces the topic by our site editor.
The care and management of Dendrobium after blooming directly affects its reblooming rate and plant health. Scientific operations can extend its lifespan. Here are the specific measures:
### One, Post-blooming Pruning and Cleaning1. - Flower removal - Immediately cut off the wilted inflorescence after blooming, making an oblique cut 2-3 cm away from the base to avoid nutrient consumption. Note to disinfect the scissors with alcohol to prevent infection.2. - Removal of Diseased and Withered Leaves - Remove yellow leaves and diseased leaves, and check if the pseudobulbs are wrinkled or rotting. If rot is found, dig out the damaged tissue and apply fungicide powder (such as carbendazim).
### Two, Key Period of Nutrient Supplement1. - Application of Slow-release Fertilizer - Start fertilizing 3-5 days after pruning, using a balanced slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as Ogreen 318s), sprinkle 15-20 granules per pot with a diameter of 20 cm, and supplement every 2 months.2. - Foliar Fertilizer - Spray potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000) once a week during the growing season to promote pseudobulb enlargement. Stop fertilizing when the temperature exceeds 32°C in summer.
### Three, Environmental Control Technology1. - Light Management - Need sufficient scattered light, 50% shading in summer (3-needle shade net), and 30% shading in spring and autumn. Full sunlight in winter, with at least 4 hours of daily sunlight.2. - Temperature and Humidity Control - Ideal daytime temperature is 18-25°C, and nighttime temperature is not lower than 15°C. Maintain humidity at 60-70%, increase humidity by placing wet pebbles in a tray, and ensure ventilation to prevent mildew.
### Four, Scientific Watering Method1. - Matrix Judgment Method - Water when the matrix is dry 2 cm deep with the finger. Use rainwater or tap water that has been standing for 2 days, with water temperature close to room temperature.2. - Periodic Immersion - Deeply immerse once every 2 months, submerge the pot in water for 10 minutes, then drain well to prevent salt accumulation.
### Five, Pest and Disease Control Plan1. - Common Pest Control - Use 75% alcohol cotton balls to wipe off scale insects, and spray dinotefuran (1:1500) for red spider mites, once a week for 3 weeks in a row.2. - Disease Control - Use kasugamycin (1:800) to drench the roots for bacterial soft rot, and after removing the diseased leaves for (T-J) disease, spray benomyl.
### Six, Potting and Division Operation Standards1. - Timing for Repotting - When the new buds are 5 cm long or the roots are growing out of the pot bottom, do it in spring, March to April is best. Use a mixed matrix of bark, volcanic rock, and coconut shell in a ratio of 5:3:2.2. - Division Technique - Keep a group of 3 or more pseudobulbs and apply sulfur powder to the cut. Place in a shady place for 2 weeks after potting, and spray water without watering thoroughly.
### Seven, Flower Promotion Management Cycle1. - Temperature Difference Stimulation - Maintain a day-night temperature difference of over 10°C in autumn for 3 consecutive weeks to promote bud differentiation. Nighttime temperature should not be lower than 12°C.2. - Light Adjustment - Increase 1 hour of light every day during the bud differentiation period, and use full-spectrum plant grow lights for better results (50 cm away from the plant).
### Eight, Seasonal Care Focus- Spring: Increase fertilizer by 30%, rotate the pot 180 degrees every 10 days to ensure even light exposure.- Summer: Strengthen ventilation, shade at noon, and sprinkle water on the ground to cool down.- Autumn: Gradually reduce watering, apply high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (such as Huaduo 2).- Winter: Keep warm and prevent cold, stop fertilizing and control water, keep the matrix slightly dry.
Through 6-8 months of careful care, a healthy Dendrobium can bloom again. Key data monitoring: pseudobulb plumpness (diameter ≥ 4 cm), number of effective leaves (≥ 5), and new root growth (annual increase of 15 cm or more) are important indicators for reblooming. Recording growth logs during the care process helps to adjust the management plan in a timely manner.
That's all about how to care for and manage Dendrobium after blooming. Hope these green plant care tips can be helpful to you in life!