A Detailed Guide to Growing Cymbidium ensifolium on a Balcony
AbstractTo grow Cymbidium ensifolium on a balcony, you can choose a sandy soil rich in humus and with good drainage. The suitable growing temperature is around 15-23°C. In summer it can be placed in a shaded spot for growing, and in winter it can be given appropriate light. During this period, water according to the soil conditions, and promptly prune away yellowed, diseased and weak branches and leaves. Omethoate emulsifiable concentrate and carbendazim wettable powder can be used to control pests and diseases, and propagation is carried out by division.
1. Choosing the Soil
The rhizome of Cymbidium ensifolium is relatively thick and sturdy, and it is suitable for growing in a sandy soil rich in humus and with good drainage, as well as a slightly acidic soil containing iron. The soil is mixed with 40% humus soil and 40% fired soil.
2. Propagation by Division
Cymbidium ensifolium can be grown in a clay pot. First put the coarse growing medium into the pot, filling it to 15% of the pot height, then select 1-2 clumps of plants and plant them in the very center of the pot. When planting, distribute the root mass evenly to avoid damaging the rhizome of Cymbidium ensifolium, then gradually fill in the fine growing medium up to 95% of the pot height, so that the base of the orchid plant is half exposed above the pot surface, and finally gently firm the soil.
3. Suitable Temperature
Cymbidium ensifolium is a plant that cannot tolerate severe cold or high temperatures. In winter the growing temperature must not be lower than 3°C, otherwise it will cause cold damage; in summer the growing temperature must not be higher than 32°C, otherwise it will affect the healthy growth of the plant. It is suitable for growing in places with an annual average temperature of 15-23°C. During cultivation, if the temperature and humidity are suitable, most varieties of Cymbidium ensifolium can bloom 2 times within 1 year, and some can even bloom 4 times.
4. Reasonable Light
Cymbidium ensifolium is a semi-shade plant and is afraid of direct sunlight. When summer arrives, it needs appropriate shading, and plastic with a shading rate of 80% can be used for shading. During cultivation, air circulation should also be maintained, and clean water can be sprinkled around to lower the temperature. When winter and spring arrive, appropriate light should be given, which is beneficial for promoting the growth of Cymbidium ensifolium.
5. Timely Watering
Water according to the dryness and moisture of the soil, but do not water too much; the soil should be kept appropriately on the dry side. In summer and autumn, you can choose to water in the evening or morning, and it is best to ensure that the orchid leaf surface is dry before nightfall. In winter and spring, you can water around sunrise and sunset, and the amount of water should not be too large during this period, which is beneficial for suppressing the occurrence of diseases.
6. Light Fertilization
Fertilize according to the variety, seedling condition and physiological characteristics. Generally, those with vigorous growth and no diseases can be fertilized, while those with weak growth do not need fertilization. If the leaves appear yellowed and thinned, it indicates a lack of fertilizer, while if the leaves are black and the leaf tips are scorched, it indicates excessive fertilization.
7. Pruning Branches and Leaves
During the process of growing Cymbidium ensifolium, the branches and leaves should be pruned frequently, and withered and yellow old leaves should be cut off in time, which is beneficial for the ventilation of the plant. In particular, leaves affected by pests and diseases should be pruned in time to avoid the spread of pathogens.
8. Pest and Disease Control
Common pests and diseases of Cymbidium ensifolium include: anthracnose, black spot disease, scale insects, etc. For diseases, a 500-fold dilution of 10% carbendazim wettable powder can be used for control, while for pests, a 1500-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate can be used for control.