What to do after Dendrobium blossoms
When the last flower of Dendrobium elegantly took a curtain call, this medicinal and ornamental plant known as the "Nine Great Fairy Grass" is entering a critical growth period. Scientific post-flowering care not only allows the plants to recover quickly, but also stores energy for blooms in the coming year. Through four core maintenance steps, we can make this orchid plant show more vitality. 1. Fine pruning management. Treatment and shaping of residual flowers. Immediately after pruning, use disinfection scissors to cut diagonally along the base of the pedicel to prevent residual flowers from consuming nutrients. When observing the overall plant type, priority should be given to cutting off cross branches, withered branches and excessively dense new buds, and 3-5 healthy stem sections should be retained. Spring Dendrobium and autumn Dendrobium should be treated differently: the former retains the false bulbs of the current year, while the latter needs to cut off mature stems that have bloomed. Apply plant ash or carbendazim powder to the incision immediately after wound care and tool disinfection and trimming to prevent bacterial infection. It is recommended to use an alcohol cotton pad to wipe the edges of scissors, especially when processing multiple plants, which can effectively prevent cross-transmission of the virus. 2. Scientific nutrient replenishment plan Nutrient recovery The water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K=20-20-20 will be applied on the seventh day after flowering, and the ratio concentration will be controlled at 1,500 - 2,000 times. Combined spraying of foliar fertilizer containing humic acid every 10 days to promote the improvement of photosynthesis efficiency. Pay special attention to supplementing magnesium, and use 0.1% magnesium sulfate solution to irrigate roots every month. Techniques for using organic fertilizers When changing pots, mix decomposed pine bark and sheep manure particles (ratio of 3:1), which can not only improve the permeability of the substrate, but also continuously release nutrients. After the fully fermented rice washing water is diluted 50 times, it has a remarkable effect when used as an auxiliary liquid fertilizer. 3. The microenvironment accurately controls the four elements of light, warm water and gas to move the plants to the east-facing balcony to ensure 3 hours of morning light exposure every day. The ambient temperature is stable in the range of 18-25℃ and monitored in real time by hanging a temperature and humidity meter. Use a circulating fan to create air flow, but avoid blowing directly on the plants. The smart device-assisted solution turns on the ultrasonic humidifier during the dry season to maintain 60-70% air humidity. Use ceramsite water storage trays to cooperate with pine scale planting to form a stable root microenvironment. dehumidifiers need to be equipped to prevent root rot during the rainy season. 4. The management schedule of the annual maintenance connection strategy stage focuses on restoring plant growth within 30 days after flower, turning to the nutrient accumulation period 45 days later, and observing flower bud differentiation begins in 90 days. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record the growth rate of new buds and leaf color changes. The pest and disease prevention system uses mancozeb and azoxystrobin for preventive spraying every month. Scale insects found were immediately physically removed with a 75% alcohol cotton swab, and a yellow sticky insect board was hung to monitor the population density.
Through systematic post-flowering management, Dendrobium will complete its energy reserve during its dormant period. When the newborn aerial roots begin to emerge from the cultivation substrate, it means that the plants are ready for a new growth cycle. By adhering to observation and moderate intervention, this orchid plant with both ornamental and medicinal values will surely repay your careful care with a more gorgeous attitude.