How to plant Monkey Face orchid
A comprehensive introduction to the planting of Monkey Face orchid and the cultivation methods and precautions of this green plant, next, the editor will introduce it.
Monkey Face orchid, also known as Monkey Face flower, is a small epiphytic plant of the Cymbidium genus. It has unique and large flowers with rich colors, and is commonly used for potting, hanging baskets, or hanging plant cultivation. It is very suitable for green decoration in front of the living room windows, on the balcony walls, in the display windows of commercial buildings, and at the entrances of exhibition halls. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods of Monkey Face orchid together!
Growth habits of Monkey Face orchid
Monkey Face orchid requires a cool growing environment, is afraid of extreme heat, has difficulty surviving the summer, and is not tolerant of frost. 10-25℃ is the suitable cultivation temperature. In warmer southern regions, it can be placed outdoors in a semi-shaded area or cultivated in a plastic greenhouse all year round. In the Yangtze River Valley or northward, it should be cultivated in a medium or high-temperature greenhouse. In late autumn, winter, and early spring, when the temperature is not very high, direct sunlight should be provided to help the plant form flower buds, bloom, and set fruit. If encountering high temperatures or in summer, humidity should be increased and shade nets should be used to cool down. When the temperature is below 10℃, heating should be applied for insulation.
Cultivation methods of Monkey Face orchid
1. Substrate: Monkey Face orchid prefers slightly acidic substrate, which should be loose, well-draining, and capable of keeping the roots moist without waterlogging. General orchid cultivation substrates can be used. When potting young plants, first place a 2-3 cm thick layer of coarse-grained substrate or ceramsite as a filter layer at the bottom of the pot, then sprinkle some controlled-release fertilizer on top, with 2-3 grams per pot, and cover it with a layer of substrate about 1-2 cm thick. Then place the plant in the pot to separate the fertilizer from the roots and prevent root burn.
2. Watering: The native environment of Monkey Face orchid is relatively dry, and it is prone to infection by pathogens if it rains for too long. Therefore, the relative humidity during the growing period should be maintained between 50-75%. When the temperature is around 20℃, maintaining the natural indoor environment is sufficient. When the temperature exceeds 25℃ in summer, artificial humidification should be carried out, usually using fans and water curtains or a high-pressure misting system, but avoid spraying water on the leaves. When the humidity is too high, ventilation should be increased to prevent diseases and pests. The amount of water Monkey Face orchid needs depends on the substrate used; if using aquatic plants, less watering is needed, and water should be added when the substrate is 70% dry.
3. Fertilization: Monkey Face orchid requires less fertilizer, generally with a fertilizer concentration of 3000 times. During the growing season from May to October, fertilize every two weeks, preferably with liquid fertilizers applied to the root zone and sprayed on the leaf surface. During the growing period, nitrogen and balanced fertilizers are commonly used, such as N:P:K=30:10:10 or 20:20:20 mixed fertilizers. During the flowering period, N:P:K=10:30:10 mixed fertilizers are commonly used. Fertilization is best done in the evening, and then water with clean water early the next morning. In the flowering bud stage, spray the leaves once a week with a special orchid flowering fertilizer, such as Orchid Bloom fertilizer, Phosphorus Potassium Fertilizer, etc., to make the flower spikes thicker and the flowers more vibrant.
Propagation methods of Monkey Face orchid
1. Division: Division of Monkey Face orchid is usually done in early spring before the new buds sprout. First, remove the mother plant from the pot, remove the excess substrate, and try to separate the tangled roots. Use a sharp knife to cut from the base of the stem, with each new plant having at least two stems, some roots, and apply sulfur powder or carbendazim powder to the wound to prevent infection. The new plants can bloom in the same year after division.
2. Seed sowing: Monkey Face orchid can self-pollinate, but the seeds easily fall off and should be harvested in batches. Since the seeds of Monkey Face orchid are very small, they are usually sown in autumn in a greenhouse using flat or cell trays. The seeds do not need to be covered with soil and should be exposed to light after sowing. It usually takes about 25 days to germinate. During the seedling stage, do not water too frequently, keeping the substrate moist. At the same time, spray a fungicide once a week. When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they need to be transplanted once. When the seedlings are 10 cm tall or more, they can be planted in pots. Seedlings from播种 can bloom in 1-2 years.
The introduction above on how to plant Monkey Face orchid and the specific introduction of the cultivation methods and precautions of this plant, hope to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.