How to Care for Orchids in Spring
With the rise in temperature, orchids enter their prime growing period. Mastering the key points of spring care not only promotes the germination of new buds but also lays the foundation for growth throughout the year. This article details the full process of caring for spring orchids, from environmental regulation to soil replacement, to help you cultivate high-quality orchids with lush leaves and abundant flowers.
Four Elements of Spring Orchid Care
1. Light Control Strategy
In early spring, orchids can be exposed to full sunlight, and after mid-March, use a 50% shade net. It is recommended to use a lux meter to monitor and maintain the light intensity between 15,000-25,000 lux. An east-facing windowsill or under the shade of trees is the ideal location, avoiding direct western sunlight that can burn the leaves.
2. Temperature and Humidity Management
The best day-night temperature difference is controlled between 8-10°C, with 20-25°C during the day and 12-15°C at night. Use a humidifier to maintain 60%-70% air humidity, combined with fans for air circulation. Note that for flowering varieties, stable temperatures between 15-20°C are needed to extend the blooming period.
3. Scientific Ventilation Plan
Open the windows for ventilation at 10 am on sunny days and install anti-insect nets to prevent pests. For enclosed balconies, install exhaust fans to maintain air renewal 2-3 times per hour. Avoid direct cold wind during ventilation, and pause ventilation during cold spells.
4. Precise Watering Techniques
Use the "dry-wet" method, insert a bamboo stick into the growing medium 3 cm deep and water when it is dry. Soft water is better, and the water temperature should be close to room temperature. Add 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate once a month to promote root development.
Orchid Soil Replacement Guide
Best Time for Soil Replacement
Change pots 2 weeks after flowering, choosing consecutive sunny days. For autumn flowering varieties like Cymbidium and Moorchid, soil replacement can be done in March, while for spring orchids and Huitao orchids, it is recommended to operate after the flowers fade. The golden window period is when the new buds have not unfolded and the old roots have not started to grow.
Five-Step Soil Replacement Process
① Cut off 1/3 of the old roots after removing from the pot ② Use a mixture of pine bark, stone, and volcanic rock (4:3:3) for the soil ③ Place a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot ④ Fill the orchid with soil up to the base of the pseudobulb ⑤ After watering, keep the orchid in the shade for a week
Mastering these core techniques will make your orchids burst with vitality in the spring. Regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust the care plan according to local climate conditions to cultivate healthy and elegant orchid masterpieces.