Spring Sword Cultivation Methods and Precautions
As a highly ornamental variety in the national orchid family, the Spring Sword is favored for its upright, sword-shaped leaves and elegant floral fragrance. This perennial herb not only purifies the air in a home environment but also creates an elegant atmosphere. Mastering scientific maintenance methods can keep the orchid vibrant and full of life.
Basic Maintenance Tips
Cultivation Substrate Preparation
An ideal planting material should have both breathable and water-retaining properties. It is recommended to use a layered structure: the bottom layer with ceramsite to enhance drainage, the middle layer with decomposed pine bark (40%) mixed with植金石 (30%), and the top layer covered with volcanic rock particles. Supplementing fresh planting material every spring can maintain the activity of the substrate.
Water and Fertilizer Management Cycle
Keep the substrate slightly moist during the growing season, use the immersion method to water every 3 days in summer, and combine with 0.1% orchid-specific liquid fertilizer. Increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in September to promote flower bud differentiation, and keep the substrate slightly dry during the winter dormancy period. Note that leaf sheath accumulation of water can cause rot disease, so enhance ventilation after watering.
Environmental Control Techniques
Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8°C is beneficial for nutrient accumulation, with a daytime temperature of 25-28°C and 60% humidity being optimal. A humidifier tray should be set during the heating period in the north, and bamboo charcoal particles can be spread in the south during the plum rain season to prevent moisture. Control the light intensity between 10,000-15,000Lux and use shade nets to adjust strong sunlight in summer.
Plant Management Tips
Division and Pruning Timing
Spring Sword Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Divide every 3 years in spring, keeping 3-5 plants with roots. Use disinfected tools for pruning and apply wood ash to the cut. Remove withered leaves from the base promptly, and keep a 10cm flower stem after flowering to dry naturally, avoiding excessive nutrient consumption.
Common Problem Solutions
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Leaf tip burn is often caused by fertilizer damage or waterlogging,剪除 the damaged part and drench with a 800x solution of mancozeb. (T-J) disease initially presents as brown circular spots, isolate the affected plants and spray with benomyl, treating continuously for 3 times with 7-day intervals.
Physiological Yellow Leaf Countermeasures
New leaves turning yellow are often due to iron deficiency, apply chelated iron fertilizer at 2000x; yellowing of old leaves requires checking the root condition. Insufficient light can cause leaves to become elongated and thin, gradually increase the duration of scattered light.
Through systematic maintenance management, Spring Sword potted plants can bloom year after year. Regularly observe the plant's condition, adjust the maintenance strategy according to seasonal changes, and配合适度的 environmental control. Even beginners can cultivate exquisite orchids with beautiful leaves and fragrant flowers.