The secret to raising orchids well
Orchid is famous for its elegance and refinement, but if you want to truly raise this empty valley beauty, root cultivation is the key. Senior orchid friends all understand one truth: raising orchids means raising roots. If the roots are strong, the leaves will be luxuriant, and if the roots are weak, the flowers will be withered. This paper will systematically analyze the core technologies of orchid root maintenance from four dimensions: root activation, nutrient supply, environmental regulation and substrate optimization. 1. Root activation technology 1.1 Scientific root promotion methods For orchids with poor root development, it is recommended to adopt a dual-effect root promotion plan: alternating use of 0.1% rooting powder solution (1 g mixed with 1kg of water) and aspirin hydrolysate (500mg tablets dissolved and let stand for 3 hours) every month). It is recommended to irrigate roots in the morning or evening, and combined with foliar spray can increase the absorption efficiency by 20%. Be careful not to use continuously for more than 3 months to avoid drug resistance. 1.2 Plant hormone application In addition to conventional rooting agents, a compound preparation of 0.02% naphthylacetic acid NAA and indole butyric acid IBA can be added. The two can be mixed in a ratio of 1:3, which can significantly promote capillary root differentiation. The concentration must be tested before use. It is recommended to halve the amount for the first time to observe the plant's reaction. 2. It is recommended to adopt the "three-stage fertilization method" for the nutrient supply system: water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K=20-10-20 is used during the growth period (March to May), and the reproductive period (June to August) is switched to 10-30-20 formula., and 5-10-5 slow-release fertilizer is applied during the dormant period (September to February). It is recommended to choose decomposed sheep manure extract for organic liquid fertilizer, and the dilution concentration is strictly controlled within the range of 800- 1,000 times. When used with EM inoculant, the fertilizer efficiency can be increased by 35%. 3. Environmental control strategies to build a "humidity gradient environment": the humidity of the substrate in the basin is maintained at 60%-70%, and the humidity of the air around the basin is maintained at 75%-85%. Precise control can be achieved through intelligent humidifiers. Special attention should be paid to the need to cooperate with circulating fans during high temperature periods in summer to ensure that the air circulation is ≥0.5m/s to prevent root rot caused by high humidity environments. 4. Optimization of matrix formula recommends the use of "sandwich structure" plant materials: the bottom layer is ceramsite with a diameter of 2- 3 cm (accounting for 30%), the middle layer is made of decomposed pine bark (40%) mixed with volcanic rock (20%), and the surface layer is laid 1 cm thick water moss. The measured air permeability of this formula is 40% higher than that of traditional substrates, and the water holding time is extended to 5-7 days. When changing pots every year, 1/3 of the old plant material should be retained to maintain a balance of the flora.
Through systematic maintenance in the above four dimensions, combined with regular root inspections (recommended once every quarter), it is possible to ensure that the annual increase of new roots in the orchid root system reaches more than 200%. Remember that a healthy white crystal root system is the fundamental guarantee for orchids to bloom. When the root system is found to be translucent and jade, it means that your maintenance system has been improved.