How to Care for Dream Orchid
As one of the most fragrant and elegant varieties in the orchid family, the Dream Orchid is highly favored for its drooping flower branches and refreshing aroma. Many orchid enthusiasts often encounter problems with poor growth or difficulty in blooming. In fact, by mastering a few key elements, this 'fragrant beauty' can be made to blossom with enchanting charm.
1. Basic Care Points for Dream Orchid
Substrate Mixture and Container Selection
The ideal cultivation substrate should have both moisture retention and breathability, it is recommended to mix decomposed leaf soil, pine bark, and perlite in a ratio of 4:3:3. A 3cm thick layer of broken tiles should be placed at the bottom of the ceramic pot as a drainage layer to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging.
Light Control Strategy
Receiving 2000-3000lux of scattered light daily is best, while in spring and autumn it can be exposed to direct morning light for 2 hours. In summer, use a shading net to filter 50% of the light, and in winter, extend it to 5 hours of soft sunlight to promote bud differentiation.
2. Advanced Care Techniques
Accurate Water Management
Use the 'soak pot method' to supplement water. When the surface of the substrate turns white, place the pot in a water container with a depth of 2cm and soak for 15 minutes. Maintain air humidity between 60%-70% during the growing season, and use a misting humidifier to maintain environmental humidity.
Nutrition Supply Plan
Apply orchid-specific fertilizer (N-P-K=20-20-20) every 15 days during the growing season from April to October, and switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (10-30-20) during the budding period. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period, and apply organic seaweed fertilizer before spring germination to enhance stress resistance.
3. Disease and Pest Control System
Maintaining good ventilation in the environment is a key preventive measure. Regularly wiping the leaves with garlic extract can prevent red spider mites. Immediately cut off the diseased leaves when (T-J) spots are found, and spray the whole plant with a 800 times solution of mancozeb, repeating the treatment three times at 5-day intervals.
Through systematic care and management, the Dream Orchid can bloom 2-3 times a year. Remember the three principles: 'moist but not waterlogged, lit but not burned, fertilized but not injured,' combined with regular observation of the plant's condition to adjust the care plan, and you can surely make this fragrant spirit show its most beautiful posture.