Cymbidium sinense cultivation methods and growing techniques: watering varies with the seasons, pay attention to overwintering

Abstract Cymbidium sinense likes a warm and humid environment, and the ambient temperature is best kept at 20-28°C. It dislikes direct sunlight and waterlogging in the pot. Fertilizer should be applied lightly rather than heavily. In cold winter weather, it needs to be moved indoors or a plastic shed should be built to help it overwinter. The watering method should change according to the season: in winter and spring, water in the morning once a week; in summer and autumn, water in the evening once every 3 days.

I. Cultivation methods for Cymbidium sinense

1. Ventilation and humidity: When growing Cymbidium sinense indoors, its ventilation conditions must be taken into account. Cymbidium sinense likes a warm, humid, and well-ventilated environment, and the air humidity is best kept between 50%-80%. If the humidity is low, you can use a tall orchid pot with a water tray set at the bottom of the pot, with a water depth of about 2 cm; this can increase the local air humidity. In addition, you can also mist the leaves several times a day to increase humidity.

2. Watering: Although Cymbidium sinense needs a lot of water, it is afraid of waterlogging; otherwise, it is prone to stem rot and leaf rot. Unless the soil in the pot is very dry, water only moderately. On cloudy and rainy days, watering is generally unnecessary. Also note that generally within three days after spraying chemicals, do not water or mist.

Watering temperature: The temperature of the water used and the soil temperature must not differ too much. When using tap water for watering, it should be left to sit and air out naturally for two or three days before use.

Watering time: In winter and spring, water in the morning; in summer and autumn, start after the sun has set.

Watering frequency: The frequency varies according to the season and the specific soil conditions. Generally, in the low-temperature seasons of winter and spring, water once every 4-7 days; in the hot, dry seasons of summer and autumn, water once every 2-3 days. At the same time, pay attention to the wet and dry condition of the potting soil, the sunny or cloudy weather, and the air humidity to judge flexibly.

3. Be careful to prevent direct sunlight. In the morning of winter and spring, it can be exposed to the sun for about 2-3 hours as much as possible, but in summer and autumn it is best to avoid direct sunlight.

4. During the growth of Cymbidium sinense, its ambient temperature must be kept favorable. The most suitable temperature for its growth is between 20-28°C. Too low a temperature will cause cold damage to Cymbidium sinense. Its flowering period, growth, and so on are all closely related to the growing environment.

5. When choosing planting soil, choose a soil type with good drainage. When fertilizing, never apply an excessive amount of fertilizer at one time; instead, apply dilute fertilizer frequently.

II. Growing techniques for Cymbidium sinense

1. Cymbidium sinense prefers shade and fears exposure to the blazing sun. Its leaf cuticle is very thin, and direct sunlight can very easily scorch the leaves.

2. Cymbidium sinense likes moisture, fears waterlogging, and dislikes dryness. Cymbidium sinense likes an environment with high air humidity. If grown in the north, the relative air humidity should be increased as much as possible to create the most suitable growing environment for Cymbidium sinense.

3. It likes warmth and fears cold damage. The lowest temperature it can tolerate is 5°C, so in the country, except for warm southern regions such as Hainan, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi, where it can be grown outdoors all year round, in most areas it must be cared for indoors during cultivation.

4. Apply dilute fertilizer frequently, and plant in large pots. Because Cymbidium sinense plants are relatively tall with well-developed root systems, their demand for fertilizer is relatively large, but when fertilizing, never apply an excessive amount at one time; apply small amounts multiple times. In addition, its well-developed root system means that a relatively deep and large pot should be used for planting.