Management Methods during the Germination Period of Orchids
Early spring to early summer is the golden period for orchid germination, with the tender green sprouts carrying the growth hope of the entire orchid plant. Many orchid enthusiasts find that despite careful care, the new sprouts frequently show symptoms of withering and tip burning, which often stems from misunderstandings in management during the germination period. Mastering the following four core elements of care can help your new sprouts grow healthy and robust.
Critical Period for Temperature Control
Day-Night Temperature Difference Control
Maintaining a temperature difference of 20-25°C during the day and 15-18°C at night is ideal. Keeping the temperature difference within 5°C can prevent stress in new sprouts. When the temperature exceeds 28°C, it is recommended to adjust through misting or enhancing ventilation.
Protection from Extreme Temperatures
During the late spring cold wave, it is necessary to move the orchids indoors. Using double-layer shade nets can effectively cope with sudden high temperatures of 35°C or above in early summer, protecting the new sprouts from extreme temperatures.
Advanced Techniques for Light Management
Use of Diffused Light
Using double-layer shade nets with 70% light-blocking rate to maintain a light intensity of 15000-20000Lux. Direct sunlight before 9 a.m. can promote robust new sprouts, while complete shading is necessary at noon.
Supplementary Lighting Plan
In case of continuous cloudy and rainy days, it is recommended to use full-spectrum plant lights for supplementary lighting, with 4 hours of lighting per day and a distance of more than 50cm from the lights to avoid burning the tender sprouts.
Scientific Scheme for Water Supply
Control of Planting Material Moisture
Use the bamboo stake test: insert a bamboo stake into the planting material for 15 minutes and observe. A slightly moist state is most suitable. Maintain 40% moisture content for Cymbidium species and slightly drier to 30% for other orchids.
Optimization of Watering Methods
It is recommended to use a long-spout watering can to slowly pour water along the pot wall to avoid冲击 new sprouts. It is best to use slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.0-6.5 for leaf spraying twice a week.
Accurate Strategy for Nutrient Supply
Management Methods during the Germination Period of Orchids
Golden Nitrogen Ratio
Choose a water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio of 20-10-10 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium, diluted to 1500 times for application. For Cymbidium species during the sprout stage, add 0.01% amino acid water-soluble fertilizer to promote cell differentiation.
Use of Organic Fertilizer
Fully fermented sheep manure pellets can be buried at the edge of the pot, using 3-5 pellets for every 15cm of pot diameter. Combined application of EM bacterial liquid can significantly improve fertilizer utilization.
New sprout care should follow the principle of progressive management, gradually increasing light and fertilization from the leaf expansion stage. Common tip burning of new sprouts is often caused by low air humidity, so it is recommended to maintain an environmental humidity of 60%-70%. When new sprouts stop growing, try using a local application of 2000 times gibberellin solution. Remember, healthy new sprouts should appear as full and bright emerald green, which is an important criterion for judging whether the care is appropriate.