Should I pinch the new leaves of crabclaw orchid?
As an epiphyte of the cactus family, the treatment of new leaves directly affects the quality of flowering. Many flower lovers often fall into the dilemma of "pinching or not pinching" during the maintenance process. This article will systematically analyze blade management techniques and flower promotion tips to help you grow the amount of flowers that burst into pots. Core principles for pruning new leaves of crabclaw orchid management of vigorous growth spring and summer (March to August) are the rapid growth period of crabclaw orchid, when new leaves do not need to be pruned. Complete retention of 12-15 nodes of stems can form a plump plant type. It is recommended to turn the pot to 45 degrees every two weeks to maintain uniform light exposure, and combine it with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote leaf thickening. The critical period for flowering control enters the flower bud differentiation stage in September. It is necessary to observe the status of the new leaves at the top: if buds appear, they will be retained; if new leaves continue to grow, they should be decidedly pinched. During specific operations, keep 2-3 mature stem segments and pinch them obliquely at 45 degrees with alcohol-disinfected tweezers to avoid tearing the stem segments. After treatment, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000) was supplemented and sprayed weekly. The light control plans of the three major flower promotion maintenance systems need to ensure 4 hours of direct light +4 hours of scattered light every day in autumn and winter. It is recommended to use an illuminance meter to monitor: maintain 5,000 - 8,000 Lux during the bud period, and reduce the flowering period to 3000Lux to extend the viewing period. Be careful to avoid burning the leaves with strong noon light. It can be adjusted with a 50% sunshade net. Accurate moisture control adopts the "three-finger detection method": insert your fingers into the second knuckle of the basin soil, and pour water thoroughly when it is dry. Keep the moisture content of the substrate at 30%-40% from October to February of the following year, and use red pottery pots to enhance air permeability. Use bamboo sticks to check the humidity of the bottom of the basin every month to prevent stagnant water and rotten roots. Nutritional science supplies use high-phosphorus formula (N-P-K=10-30-20) during the budding period, combined with calcium and magnesium elements to prevent budding. The "three-stage fertilization method" is recommended: spray the leaves every week during the bud pregnancy period, change the roots to irrigate during the bud color period, and stop fertilization during the full flowering period. Organic fertilizers need to be completely decomposed to avoid burning roots.
Through the cooperation of scientific pruning and fine maintenance, Crabclaw orchid can bloom 2-3 times a year. Remember the maintenance formula of "pinching new leaves in autumn to preserve nutrition, balancing light, warm water and fertilizer", and you can also create high-quality plants with thick leaves and bursting flowers.