How to Grow Orchids? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and 5 Precautions

Summary Cultivation methods: For orchids, you can choose fine river sand mixed with leaf mold for growing. A small amount of base fertilizer can be sprinkled into the soil. The suitable growing temperature is around 18-30°C. In spring and autumn, give more sunlight to promote root growth; in summer, shading is needed. Orchids love rain but fear waterlogging, and love moisture but fear wetness. During growth, an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer can be applied. 5 precautions: The flower pot should not be too large, planting should not be too deep, the root system should be spread out, do not water for the first 3-5 days after planting, and avoid direct strong light.

1. Soil

When growing orchids, you need to choose soft, slightly acidic soil rich in humus. Generally, fine river sand mixed with leaf mold can be used for growing. Finally, a small amount of base fertilizer can be sprinkled into the soil, which helps provide more nutrients, but it should not be added in excess.

2. Temperature

The suitable growing temperature for orchids is 18-30°C. Below 5°C and above 35°C will both lead to slow growth. The suitable temperature during the reproductive growth period is 5-18°C. In winter, they need to be kept indoors for care.

3. Humidity

During cultivation, the relative humidity should be maintained at 60-70%. Humidity that is too dry or too wet can easily cause diseases, so when growing outdoors, you can install a sprayer and a hygrometer.

4. Light

During growth, orchids need appropriate exposure to scattered light, but direct strong light is not suitable. In summer, a 50%-90% shade net is needed to block sunlight. In spring and autumn, orchids can be given more sun, which helps promote root growth, produce more leaf buds, make flower buds plump, and make the plant grow more vigorously in the second year.

5. Watering

Orchids love rain but fear waterlogging, and love moisture but fear wetness. Therefore, in June-July, when the orchid leaf buds grow to 1.5 cm, 1-2 applications of thin, fully decomposed liquid fertilizer can be given. During this period, chemical fertilizers should not be applied. Wait until August-September, then apply 1-2 applications of fully decomposed thin liquid fertilizer. For orchids of the pure-color type, 1-2 applications of wood ash extract can generally be given. Fertilization time can be chosen in the evening, and then water once again the next morning.

6. Fertilizer

When fertilizing orchids, it is better to apply lightly rather than heavily. Like other plants, nitrogen can promote vigorous growth of stems and leaves, phosphorus can promote well-developed orchid roots, promote the growth and development of reproductive organs, and make stems and leaves spread out. Sulfur, magnesium, iron and other trace elements can make orchid leaves green and flowers strong. During the period of vigorous growth, orchids need more fertilizer. During dormancy or weak growth periods, fertilization is not suitable. Excessive fertilization will cause root and leaf burn.

7. Precautions

1. The flower pot should not be too large

If a small plant is planted in a large pot and too much growing medium is used, it is easy to cause poor aeration, and watering is also harder to judge. If too much water is absorbed, the medium will not dry easily, which can easily lead to bacterial invasion and root rot.

2. Orchids should be planted shallowly

Orchids should not be planted too deep, otherwise long-term moisture can easily cause root rot. When planting, the growing medium needs to be filled around the roots and base, while the pseudobulbs must be exposed.

3. The root system should be spread out

When planting orchids, the root system should be spread out evenly and should not be pressed together. In this way, the roots can fully absorb nutrients, and aeration is also better.

4. Do not water for the first few days after planting

For newly planted orchids, most of the root system is damaged. If the wounds have been coated with fungicide, wait 3-5 days without watering so that the medicine can take effect better, which also helps promote the growth of new buds and new roots.

5. Avoid direct strong light

Newly planted orchids should avoid direct strong light to prevent dehydration of the plant. During this period, they can be kept in a warm and shaded place for care, and spraying can be done to increase air humidity until the orchids return to normal growth.