Dream Orchid Growing Guide: How to Choose Soil, Plant and Care for It So It Blooms?

The Dream Orchid is a type of orchid that has a long history in our country. Because its flowers are very beautiful and its ornamental value is high, it is deeply loved by flower enthusiasts. At present, many people like to place it in offices or homes to decorate the indoor environment and enhance its ornamental value. So what soil is best for cultivating the Dream Orchid? When should it be planted? How should it be cared for so it blooms?

I. How to plant the Dream Orchid?

1. When is the best time to plant the Dream Orchid?

The Dream Orchid is not cold-tolerant and likes to grow in an environment of 10-22°C, so it is best to plant it in spring from March to April and in autumn from October to November, when the temperature is just right.

2. What size flower pot is good for the Dream Orchid?

The Dream Orchid has low requirements for flower pots. In the early stage, generally only good drainage is needed, so before planting, you can choose a deep flower pot with a small upper opening and large drainage holes to facilitate drainage and ventilation and promote root and leaf growth. After it has grown for a certain period, it can be replaced with a purple clay pot or porcelain pot according to the degree of root growth, to facilitate better root growth and promote the plant to bloom.

3. What soil is best for cultivating the Dream Orchid?

The roots of the Dream Orchid are fleshy roots, so when choosing potting soil, try to choose slightly acidic sandy loam rich in humus, and mix in a small amount of base fertilizer, to facilitate water absorption and drainage by the roots and promote root growth.

4. What are the planting methods for the Dream Orchid?

(1) Selecting seedlings: Before planting Dream Orchid seedlings, you can select several robust and well-growing young seedlings and clean and disinfect them to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. When cleaning, try not to damage any part of the seedlings, to avoid bacterial infection.

(2) Adding potting soil: First place a few pieces of crushed stone at the bottom of the pot, then add one-third of the amount of sandy loam, then place the young seedling, and finally cover the entire root system with the remaining loam, and gently smooth it to ensure the seedling is fixed.

Notes:

(2.1) While filling the pot with soil, try to keep the root system in the middle, and try not to let the root hairs lean against the pot wall, so that the root system grows evenly.

(2.2) When filling the pot with soil, try to make the soil level reach slightly above the middle of the flower pot, to prevent water from leaking out during watering.

(2.3) Before filling the pot with soil, it is best to place a few larger pieces of crushed stone at the bottom of the flower pot, to bury the pseudobulbs and allow the root system to grow well.

(3) Watering: After the Dream Orchid is successfully planted, water it promptly and water the entire flower pot thoroughly, so that the soil and roots have sufficient moisture. After watering is completed, move it to a cool environment and let it grow freely.

II. How to care for the Dream Orchid so it blooms?

1. Light

The Dream Orchid likes to grow in a cool environment, so during cultivation, it is enough to place it in a spot with scattered light.

2. Ventilation

The Dream Orchid likes to grow in a humid and well-ventilated environment, so during cultivation, try to place it in a well-ventilated place to avoid the occurrence of pests and diseases. Normally, when in an office or home, also keep the room ventilated often to promote plant growth. It is worth noting that when placing the Dream Orchid, try not to put it in a drafty spot, to avoid the leaves being dried out by the wind, which would cause the plant to die from lack of water.

3. Watering

The Dream Orchid has low water requirements, and generally it is enough to keep the soil moist. But when watering, corresponding adjustments should also be made according to the climate. For example, in summer, the amount and frequency of watering should be increased to prevent water evaporation and cause the whole plant to wither and die. But if the environment is too humid, watering should be reduced to avoid excessive water accumulation, which would cause root rot and affect plant growth. In winter, the amount and frequency of watering should be reduced, and it is only necessary to keep the soil moist.

4. Fertilizing

The Dream Orchid has low fertilizer requirements, and generally fertilizing once every half month of growth is enough, but when fertilizing, it must not be applied directly to the roots. It should be applied along the edge of the flower pot, to prevent burning the root system and affecting plant growth.

III. When does the Dream Orchid bloom?

The Dream Orchid generally blooms from July to November, but if you want it to bloom normally, you need to do a good job in basic management such as water, fertilizer, and light, and ensure good ventilation, so as to promote better growth and blooming of the plant.