How to grow Cymbidium sinense at home? Detailed guide to home cultivation methods
Cymbidium sinense is suitable for planting in loose, breathable, slightly acidic humus soil. Cymbidium sinense prefers a semi-shaded environment and needs appropriate shading. Fertilize once every 20 days, and spray a small amount of clean water after fertilizing. Home-grown orchids are mostly overwintered indoors, and no heating measures are needed in winter and spring, so they can safely pass through the severe cold period.
1. Soil
The planting soil for Cymbidium sinense should be rich in humus, slightly acidic, loose and breathable, and able to drain water while retaining fertilizer. For example: leaf mold from forests, coarse sand from rivers, rotten tree bark, broken bricks, rice husks, sphagnum moss, spent mushroom substrate, etc.
2. Light
Cymbidium sinense prefers a semi-shaded environment. Winter sunlight is weak and spring sunlight is soft, which is suitable for the growth of Cymbidium sinense, so it can receive sunlight all day. Summer and autumn sunlight is strong, so appropriate shading is needed. The orchid pot can be placed under the eaves, receiving light only in the morning or evening, and not after 9 a.m.
3. Fertilizing
Fertilizing Cymbidium sinense should be “light rather than concentrated”, generally starting in late spring and stopping in late autumn. Fertilizer can be applied when the temperature is 18~25°C, once every 20 days, and a small amount of clean water should be sprayed after fertilizing to prevent the fertilizer solution from staining the leaves.
4. Temperature
The temperature for orchids to take root, sprout and grow normally is between 20~28°C. Growth is slow below 20°C, rapid above 25°C, and they enter a dormant state above 30°C. In winter, with daytime temperatures of 10°C~16°C and nighttime temperatures of 5°C~10°C, Cymbidium sinense can dormancy normally. Home-grown orchids are mostly overwintered indoors, and no heating measures are needed in winter and spring, so they can safely pass through the severe cold period. If overwintering in a sheltered spot in a courtyard or on a balcony, a temporary greenhouse can be built with plastic film.