How to care for an orchid with bird's tongue
As a delicate variety among tropical orchids, the bird's tongue orchid is deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its unique, tongue-shaped petals and elegant plant form. This epiphytic orchid, native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, requires mastering key techniques such as temperature and humidity control in home care to display its best ornamental state.
Controlling the Growing Environment of Bird's Tongue Orchid
Temperature and Humidity Balance Principle
A constant temperature environment of 15-30°C is most beneficial for plant development, with a day-night temperature difference controlled within 8°C. In summer, when using misting to cool down, it is necessary to ensure that the water droplets on the leaves evaporate within 2 hours to avoid diseases caused by high temperature and humidity. During winter heating, it is recommended to use a humidity tray to maintain 50%-65% air humidity.
Light Intensity Management
Receiving 2000-3000Lux scattered light for 4 hours daily can meet the requirements, with the east-facing windowsill being the most ideal placement. When using shade nets, it is recommended to choose black netting with 50% light transmission, and double shading protection is required from June to September at noon.
Key Points for Caring for Bird's Tongue Orchid Roots
Substrate Proportion Scheme
How to care for a bird's tongue orchid
Adopt a layered planting method: the bottom layer is covered with 3cm of volcanic stones as a filter layer, the middle layer uses a mixed substrate of pine bark (40%), sphagnum moss (30%), and perlite (30%), and the top layer is covered with 1cm of activated carbon granules. When replenishing new substrate annually, retain 1/3 of the old growing material to maintain the balance of microorganisms.
Scientific Watering Schedule
In spring and summer, use the immersion method for watering: place the pot in water for 10 seconds and immediately take it out, performing this operation twice a week. In autumn and winter, switch to misting, keeping the surface of the substrate slightly moist. Using softened water with an EC value less than 0.3 can effectively prevent salt accumulation.
Daily Management Techniques for Bird's Tongue Orchid
Nutrition Supplement Cycle
During the growing season, apply a special orchid fertilizer (N-P-K=20-20-20) at a dilution of 2000 times monthly, combined with seaweed extract foliar spray weekly. During the flower bud differentiation stage, switch to a high-phosphorus formula (10-30-20), and after fertilizing, it is necessary to rinse with water within 6 hours.