Why Don't Orchids Sprout
Orchids, as elegant ornamental plants, the growth of new buds directly affects the beauty of the plant's shape and the quality of flowering. Many orchid enthusiasts find that their orchids fail to sprout, which often hides behind areas of cultivation blindness. Mastering scientific techniques for promoting germination can help orchid plants maintain robust vitality.
The Four Main Reasons for Stalled New Buds in Orchids
Imbalanced Water Supply
Orchid roots have a fleshy structure, and they are susceptible to root rot from excess water as well as prolonged drought. When the moisture content of the growing medium is below 30%, the pseudobulbs cannot absorb enough water to activate the bud points. This can be tested using the bamboo skewer method: insert a skewer into the growing medium for 2 hours, and if the tip is dry, it is time to water.
Inadequate Light Absorption
Ensure 3-4 hours of soft light exposure daily, with light intensity controlled between 8000-15000 lux. Place the plant on an east-facing windowsill and use a shading net to filter out strong midday sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic assimilates, directly affecting bud differentiation.
Discontinuous Nutrient Supply
New bud emergence requires a 30% increase in nitrogen and potassium elements. It is recommended to use a special slow-release orchid fertilizer, mixed with the substrate at a ratio of 1g per liter of soil. Additionally, spray the leaves with a 2000 times diluted solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate every two weeks.
Disordered Plant Metabolism
In a clump of orchids that has not been divided for over three years, old pseudobulbs release ethylene gas that inhibits new buds. In spring, promptly prune withered leaf sheaths, leaving a 2cm healthy stem section. When dividing, ensure each clump has 3-5 pseudobulbs and apply charcoal powder to the cut to prevent fungal infection.
A Five-Step Germination Care System
Accurate Environmental Control
Maintain a temperature difference of 22-25°C during the day and 16-18°C at night, and keep the air humidity between 65%-75%. When using a humidifier, ensure good air circulation to avoid leaf core积水 causing soft rot disease.
Optimization of Watering Techniques
Use the immersion watering method: soak the growing medium in water for 10 seconds and immediately remove it, once a week combined with a 2000 times diluted HB101 vitality solution. Keep the surface moss slightly moist and avoid strong water flushing.
Nutrient Cycle Management
Apply humic acid water-soluble fertilizer (EC value 0.8ms/cm) in the early stage of germination, and switch to a balanced liquid fertilizer (N-P-K=20-20-20) after the new buds break through the soil. Stop fertilizing during high temperatures to avoid salt accumulation.
Activating the Growing Medium
Every spring, replace the mixed substrate with 30% pine bark + 20% stone + 50% charred soil, adding 5% bone meal as a base fertilizer. Old growing medium needs to be sterilized with high heat before use.
Application of Biological Stimulants
Use a 1000 times diluted solution of seaweed extract or brassinolide to water the roots, once a month to promote endogenous hormone secretion. Combine with EM bacteria to improve the rhizosphere microecology and increase nutrient utilization.
Through systematic care and management, healthy orchid plants can sprout 2-3 generations of new buds each year. The key is to grasp environmental control during the germination period, along with precise water and fertilizer management, to allow every hidden bud point to break through the soil and grow into a seedling. Regularly observe the base of pseudobulbs, and adjust the care plan immediately when white bud points appear, to enjoy the joy of a full pot.