The orchid is hailed as the gentleman among flowers. What are its growth habits?

It is often said that “among plants one should be the orchid, among trees one should be the pine.” Since ancient times, the orchid has been a flower with a fine reputation in our country and a highly popular one as well. Its blooms are delicate and elegant, its colors soft and subtle, and it has long been regarded as a symbol of purity and refinement. At present, the varieties cultivated at home fall into two categories: Chinese orchids and foreign orchids, but no matter which kind, their growth habits are much the same. As long as you have a good grasp of the growth habits of orchids, growing orchids well is no difficult task. So next, let's take a look together with the Tuliuwang editor~

Orchid Growth Habits

1. Gentle light

Most wild orchids grow beneath or at the edges of forests and woodlands, making them shade-loving or semi-shade-loving plants. This is because the trees provide excellent shade, blocking direct intense sunlight so that only dappled light filters through. Orchids can tolerate scattered, speckled light and the slanting light of early morning and late afternoon, all of which are very gentle forms of light. In winter, the leaves begin to fall, but the sun has moved southward and its angle has narrowed, so even direct sunlight is gentle. Under such light conditions, orchids have developed an ecological habit of low light requirements and a preference for shade or semi-shade. However, in too dark and sheltered a spot, orchids cannot sustain life. Sunlight is the source of the energy with which orchids produce nutrients for their bodies, and ultraviolet rays can help kill pathogens, which benefits the healthy growth of orchids. So having not-too-strong light is best of all.

2. A warm environment

The orchid is a warmth-loving plant that needs to grow in a spring-like environment. Epiphytic orchids usually require higher temperatures and are less cold-tolerant in winter, while terrestrial orchids usually require lower temperatures and are more cold-tolerant in winter. Among them, Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi are the most cold-tolerant; after being covered by snow in winter, they still grow and develop as usual the following spring, flowering and setting seed.

3. Sufficient moisture

Moisture includes two aspects: soil moisture and air humidity. Orchids have long grown under rainforest canopies and need relatively high air humidity. However, because orchid pseudobulbs can store water, their leaves are thick and can retain water, and they have aerial roots that can absorb water from the air, orchids can also adapt to temporary drought. Although they love water, orchid roots and stems are fleshy roots and are very afraid of waterlogged soil.

4. Loose soil

We just mentioned that orchids are afraid of waterlogging. So we require the growing soil to be loose and well-draining. It is best if it is slightly acidic, with a pH value between 6.0 and 6.5. It is even better if it is rich in humus. Orchids also require good ventilation; otherwise they are prone to pests and diseases.

Well, that is all on the growth habits of orchids that the Tuliuwang editor has brought you. I hope it can be of some help to everyone, and I also hope that friends who like this article can follow Tuliuwang. We will bring you different and wonderful knowledge about land and agriculture every day. Thank you, everyone!