How to water and care for虎皮兰 (Tiger Skin Orchid)
The editor answers questions for netizens on how to water and care for the Tiger Skin Orchid and the correct watering methods for this plant. Let's follow the editor and take a look!
The Tiger Skin Orchid is a type of succulent plant with very thick leaves and a thick main root, with almost no fibrous roots. Therefore, its care is relatively simple. However, many plant enthusiasts have difficulty mastering watering or soil issues during the care process, which can lead to rot and ultimately the death of the entire plant. Insufficient watering can also cause dry leaves and roots. So, how should we properly water the Tiger Skin Orchid?
If we want to care for the Tiger Skin Orchid well and master the watering method, we need to start with soil preparation. Only if the soil has good breathability and water permeability can the Tiger Skin Orchid grow well, and watering can be easily controlled. We know that the Tiger Skin Orchid prefers well-drained sandy soil. If you are a beginner and it's difficult to buy soil, you can directly use a 1:1 ratio of river sand and garden soil. If there is leaf mold soil, a 1:1 ratio of river sand and leaf mold soil is also acceptable. This type of soil is the most breathable and nutritious, allowing the Tiger Skin Orchid's roots to grow and new shoots to break through the soil quickly.
With the premise of soil breathability and water permeability, it is essential to master the watering method. The Tiger Skin Orchid cannot be without water during its growing season, which is spring, summer, and autumn. In winter, when temperatures are low, it basically does not grow. Therefore, do not lack water during the growing season. Generally, following the principle of watering when the potting soil is completely dry will not cause problems. Simply insert a bamboo skewer or wooden stick into the potting soil near the bottom, and water when the skewer is dry. This is the best watering method. In winter, when temperatures are very low, if the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees, it will not freeze. Try to keep the temperature above 5 degrees. If the temperature consistently exceeds 10 degrees, around 15 degrees, it can grow normally. If the temperature is low in winter, place it in a well-lit area, and there is no need to water it. Over a few months in winter, its leaves may become thin, but it will not die due to watering, allowing it to safely survive the winter.
If your plant is small and you want to water it in winter, water it once every one to two months, preferably at noon, only half way into the potting soil, not fully saturated. This can also help supplement moisture. Since the temperature at noon is relatively high, the roots can absorb some of the water, and the soil will remain moist without causing waterlogging or root rot. The Tiger Skin Orchid is very easy to care for. During regular maintenance, control the watering, ensure the soil's breathability and water permeability, do not use too large a pot, place it in a well-lit area, and it will grow normally. Don't forget to supplement it with fertilizer during the growing season, once or twice a month is sufficient.
The above shares detailed information on how to water and care for the Tiger Skin Orchid and the correct watering methods. I hope this can be of help to you!