Orchids at home have not bloomed after 2 years
Orchids are被誉为 'gentlemen among flowers', but many orchid enthusiasts find that their orchids have not bloomed after two years. What is the problem? Through field visits to professional orchid nurseries, we discovered that 90% of the maintenance issues are concentrated in five key areas. This article will deeply analyze these blind spots in maintenance to help you easily harvest a pot full of fragrant flowers.
Light Management
Accurate Control of Light Intensity
Orchids are semi-shaded plants. It is recommended to maintain a light intensity of 15000-20000lux in spring and autumn, and reduce it to below 8000lux in summer. When using shade nets, choose a model with 70% light transmission to avoid sunburn while ensuring photosynthesis.
Strategies for Seasonal Changes
In winter, full sunlight can be accepted. From the spring equinox to the autumn equinox, implement the 'morning light strategy': receive direct sunlight before 9 am each day, and the rest of the time, maintain scattered light. The best placement is on a north-facing windowsill or under tree shade.
Water Control
Scientific Calculation of Watering Cycle
Use the 'three-finger test': insert the index, middle, and ring fingers 5cm deep into the substrate, and water when only the fingertips are slightly moist. In spring and autumn, water about 3-5 days/week, in summer, spray twice a day (morning and evening), and extend to 10-15 days/week in winter.
Advanced Techniques for Watering
It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly pour water along the pot wall to avoid water accumulating in the leaf heart. Rinse the substrate with rainwater or purified water once a month to effectively prevent salt and alkali buildup.
Nutrition Supply
Golden Formula for Fertilizer Ratio
Apply a balanced fertilizer with N-P-K = 20-20-20 during the growing period, and switch to a high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer with 7-9-40 during the bud formation period. Self-made fermented soybean cake water needs to be diluted 500 times, and combined with 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar spray for better results.
Key Points for Potting and Fertilizing
Change pots around the time of the 'Jingzhe' solar term every year, adding bone meal + decomposed pine bark + perlite (ratio 2:5:3). After the seedling establishment period, add 'Aolü 318s' slow-release fertilizer, which continuously releases nutrients for 6 months.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Ideal Environmental Parameters
Maintain a daytime temperature of 18-25°C and a nighttime temperature of 13-18°C for better bud differentiation. Keep the air humidity between 60-80%, which can be adjusted with a pebble water tray or a humidifier.
Key Points for Maintenance in All Seasons
During the winter heating period, open the windows for ventilation for 2 hours a day. In high summer temperatures, use a small fan to promote air circulation and prevent soft rot disease.
Substrate Ratio
Analysis of the Golden Formula
Recommended formula: pine bark (40%) + planting stone (30%) + volcanic rock (15%) + decomposed leaf soil (15%). Keep the particle diameter between 0.5-1.5cm to ensure both breathability and water retention.
Techniques for Improving Substrate
Supplement with 5% activated carbon every year to absorb harmful substances, and mix in a small amount of fern roots to enhance water retention. Make sure to sterilize with high temperature before use to eliminate the risk of diseases and pests.
After mastering these five maintenance systems, you will witness the perfect transformation of orchids from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. It is recommended to keep a maintenance log, recording changes in temperature and humidity and the plant's condition. About 85% of orchids can bloom within 3 months after adjustment. Welcome to share your maintenance results in the comments section, and we will continue to answer various questions about orchid cultivation.