How to Grow Orchids So They Sprout Healthy New Shoots

Making orchids sprout healthy new shoots is the shared wish of all orchid growers. The author will venture a modest contribution here and share a few personal observations, in the hope of exchanging ideas with fellow orchid enthusiasts.

1) Sunlight. Sufficient light is the primary condition for orchids to sprout; orchids that lack light not only sprout slowly, but their new shoots are thin and weak and prone to disease. The ways to create good light conditions are: first, the shading at the orchid nursery must be moderate; second, orchids can be given appropriately increased light in stages, commonly known as “sunning the pots”. Specifically, this can be done after the Spring Festival, when the weather gradually warms and the plants begin to receive more sunlight. Before the end of March, full sun can be given when the temperature is below 20°C; afterward, for Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), cover with one layer of shade netting when the temperature is above 20°C, and two layers when above 30°C; for Cymbidium faberi (Hui orchid), full sun can be received until the end of May, with one layer of shade netting when the temperature reaches above 30°C, and two layers when above 35°C. Adjust the degree of shading throughout the year according to the season and temperature, so that the orchids receive light to the greatest extent possible and build up their vigor.

2) Temperature. The most suitable temperature for orchid growth is 20°C to 25°C; growth is slow below 8°C and above 30°C. Therefore, if we want orchids to sprout more shoots and grow vigorously, we must find ways to avoid or shorten the spaces and times with temperatures unfavorable to orchid growth. Those who can should build a glass greenhouse and use air conditioning or water curtains to regulate the room temperature, creating a micro-environment that keeps the orchids cool in summer and warm in winter; those who cannot may also raise the temperature with plastic-film greenhouses, lower it by irrigating or sprinkling water on the floor of the orchid yard, or installing fans in the yard. If suitable temperatures can be maintained, the new shoots of the orchid will grow normally in all four seasons of that year, and the new seedlings of that year can even produce autumn shoots and grow into large seedlings within the same year.

3) Water (humidity). Orchids have pseudobulbs that store water and are relatively drought-tolerant plants, but water is equally very important for their growth. During the sprouting period, orchids especially need a timely supply of sufficient but not excessive water to promote the growth of new shoots. Many beginners wait until the potting soil is dry, pale and hard before watering, which is harmful rather than beneficial to orchid sprouting. The author believes one should keep it moderate, best maintaining the potting soil slightly moist, dry on top and moist below, and watering promptly before it dries out completely. At the same time, the moisture in the air of the orchid nursery should be appropriately increased. During the orchid's growing season, the relative humidity of the air is 60% to 75%; sprinkling water can increase the relative humidity of the micro-environment, and if an automatic electrically controlled humidifier can be installed, the effect is even better.

The principles of watering orchids are: water more during the growing season, less during the dormant season; water more for thin-leaved varieties, less for thick-leaved ones; water more for vigorous plants, less for weak ones. Overall, one should still note that during the sprouting period the potting soil must be kept moist, avoiding the orchid pot becoming too dry.

4) Aeration. Fresh air is very important for the healthy growth of orchids. Not only should the orchid room be well ventilated, but the potting soil should also maintain good air permeability. It is best to use granular orchid soil made from Xiantu, crushed brick, weathered rock, etc., which is more conducive to orchid sprouting.

5) Fertilizing. Orchids must be given sufficient base fertilizer in late autumn. In early spring, appropriate topdressing should be applied. Before sprouting, using an appropriate amount of sprouting hormone can also increase the orchid's sprouting rate. Commonly used preparations include sprouting hormone, Xiduolan, Shoushanghao, Huabao, Lanjunwang, etc.; just use them according to the instructions. Many orchid enthusiasts report that using Zhiquan diluted and sprayed on the leaves in the first half of the year, and burying Zhixiang granules in the surface soil in the second half of the year while topdressing with watering, can both make orchid shoots more numerous and make the orchid seedlings sturdy.