How to Grow Daxuesu? A Complete Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Daxuesu is actually a variety of orchid. It differs from other orchids and is quite special: its leaves are broad and large, and its flowers are pure white and plain-colored, like heavy snow, very beautiful, hence the name. So what exactly are the cultivation methods for Daxuesu, and what precautions do we need to pay attention to during cultivation?

How to grow Daxuesu

1. Choosing a pot

The pot is the relative space in which the orchid grows. Its material, size and shape should be chosen according to the orchid plant's growth habits and root conditions. The orchid's root system should be taken as the reference; the pot that allows the roots to be placed naturally is the most suitable, so this is called “choosing the pot by looking at the roots”.

When choosing a pot for planting Daxuesu, the pot should be slightly larger, because the broad-leaved lotus-petal type needs somewhat more nutrients.

2. Placement location

The place where orchids are placed is very important; it directly affects the orchid's growth and development. Daxuesu is generally placed in the open ground in spring, summer and autumn (in summer, placed in a shaded spot in the open ground), and indoors in winter.

Outdoors, it is best to have open space on all sides with humid air; indoors, there should be sufficient light, preferably facing south, which is favorable for orchid growth. The orchid pot is best placed on a wooden stand or a table, not on the ground.

3. Shading

In early to mid-April, Daxuesu can receive more sunlight to promote its growth. After late April, it should be shaded appropriately. From June to September, shading should be started earlier each day; if reed blinds are used, dense blinds or two layers of sparse blinds can be used. After October, when the weather turns cooler and sunlight is weaker, shading can be delayed, but around noon it is still necessary to do a good job of shading.

Daxuesu cultivation methods and precautions

I. Cultivation methods

1. Temperature and light

The suitable temperature for Daxuesu growth is between 15-28°C. In winter, as long as the temperature is not lower than 0°C, it can generally overwinter safely. In summer, when the temperature is above 30°C, attention should be paid to preventing heatstroke and cooling down; the maximum temperature should not be higher than 35°C.

2. Humidity requirements

The humidity requirements for Daxuesu mainly refer to two aspects: air humidity and pot-soil humidity. Daxuesu has higher air humidity requirements than other orchid species, maintained at 60%-80%. But it still needs a relatively good ventilated environment; it is necessary both to create conditions to increase air humidity and to strengthen ventilation in the cultivation environment.

3. Soil requirements

When planting Daxuesu, the soil generally chosen is soil rich in humus. The soil should contain abundant humus, with more organic matter such as tree bark, leaves and peanut shells mixed in; the amount of these organic materials mixed in should be no less than 30%.

4. Fertilizing

Daxuesu relatively prefers fertilizer. During the vigorous growth period, more fertilizer should be applied. If the soil is fertile, the amount of fertilizer can be reduced, and some foliar fertilizer can be applied. Plant-based fertilizers cannot be used directly; they must be fermented before application.

II. Precautions

1. Maintain air humidity and pay attention to pot-soil humidity.

2. The growing environment of Daxuesu is relatively shady and humid, so attention should be paid to routine insecticide and sterilization to prevent and control pests and diseases.

Causes of yellow leaves in Daxuesu

1. Normal metabolism: generally, after a period of growth, new leaves gradually emerge and old leaves are metabolized away. Old leaves gradually turning yellow is a normal phenomenon; there is no need to worry that it will affect the normal growth of Daxuesu.

2. Scorching sun exposure: sunlight that is too strong will scorch the Daxuesu plant, especially after summer rainstorms, when Daxuesu receives strong light, which can easily cause leaves to turn yellow.

3. Improper water and fertilizer management: too much or too little water and fertilizer is not good; it will affect the overall development of Daxuesu, causing poor leaf growth and yellowing.

Solutions for yellow leaves in Daxuesu

1. Pruning: for leaf yellowing generally caused by normal metabolism, there is no need to worry; simply prune off the yellowed leaves and keep the appearance of Daxuesu neat.

2. Pay attention to water control and ventilation: during the usual growth of Daxuesu, pay attention to controlling watering and to ventilation, avoiding excessive air humidity that leads to disease and yellow leaves.

3. Reasonable fertilizing: control the amount and frequency of fertilizing, apply light fertilizer frequently, and promptly supplement the various lacking elements. For leaf yellowing caused by improper fertilizing, the plant can be removed from the soil and pot, replaced with new culture soil, and Daxuesu replanted. After replanting Daxuesu, water once; after watering thoroughly, place it in a semi-shady spot to recover. After it resumes growth, apply dilute liquid fertilizer or compound chemical fertilizer.

Daxuesu is very attractive; it can be enjoyed for its leaves and also for its flowers. But if yellow leaves appear, it will affect its appearance. So when this phenomenon occurs, we must find the cause and treat it accordingly, and it will recover quickly. In fact, the general causes of yellow leaves are factors such as water and fertilizer and pruning.