The Method of Making Orchid Bonsai
Orchid bonsai, as a cherished desk ornament for scholars and refined individuals, combines horticultural techniques with artistic aesthetics. A well-shaped orchid bonsai not only displays the orchid's elegant and secluded beauty but also creates a miniature landscape意境. Master the following six core techniques, and even beginners can create professional-level bonsai works.
Secrets of Dividing Orchids and Selecting Seedlings
Techniques for Dividing Plants
Select a vigorous mother plant, remove it from the pot, and gently tap the roots to remove old soil. Use a sterilized knife to cut along the gaps of the pseudobulbs, retaining 3-5 seedlings with complete roots in each cluster, ensuring a mix of old and new plants. The old plant stabilizes the shape, while the new buds signify growth vitality.
Principles of Plant Combination
Mixing upright sword orchids with drooping cold orchids can create a three-dimensional层次. The leaves should maintain a natural 45-degree angle. Arrange the roots in a radial pattern, and when removing decayed roots, retain at least 5cm of healthy rootlets.
Structure of the Pot and Proportions of Planting Material
Key Points for Building a Drainage Layer
Use an inverted pyramid pot padding method: the bottom layer is 3cm of volcanic rock, the middle layer is 2cm of pine bark, and the top layer is 1cm of sphagnum moss. Keep the porosity between 30%-40% to ensure both ventilation and prevent soil erosion. For purple sand pots, an additional layer of broken tiles is needed for drainage.
Optimization of Substrate Formula
The golden ratio is 40% planting stone + 30% snake wood chips + 20% calcined soil + 10% bone charcoal. Adjust the pH to between 5.5-6.5, and sterilize with high heat before use.
Design and Maintenance Management
The Method of Making Orchid Bonsai
Technique of Spatial Composition
Apply the principle of leaving white space in traditional Chinese painting, placing the main orchid plant at 2/5 of the pot surface, and pairing it with natural stones like Ying stone or turtle shell stone. Auxiliary plants such as Selaginella or saxifrage, not exceeding 1/3 the height of the orchid plant, create a profound mountain valley atmosphere.
Water Control Strategy
Use the immersion pot method to supply water, ensuring the water temperature is the same as the room temperature. Water once a week in spring and autumn, and spray to increase humidity every 3 days in summer. When the surface moss appears white edges, it's a signal to water, but avoid waterlogging that can cause root rot.
The completed orchid bonsai should be placed in a scattered light environment for maintenance, maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 6℃ for better bud differentiation. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even sunlight exposure, and apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer. After half a year, you can enjoy the dynamic scenery of leaves dancing and flowers swaying.