How are orchid seeds planted and cared for, and how often should they be watered?
Orchids are epiphytic or terrestrial herbaceous plants. In the context of traditional Chinese famous flowers, "orchid" refers only to several species of terrestrial orchids distributed among the Cymbidium genus in China, such as Chunlan (Cymbidium goeringii), Huilan (Cymbidium faberi), Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium), Molan (Cymbidium sinense) and Hanlan (Cymbidium kanran). So how are its seeds planted? How is it grown? How often should it be watered? It is reported that generally orchids are watered once every 2—3 days in March—April, or a small amount once a day; watered once a day in May—June; watered thoroughly once every evening in July—September; watered once a day in October—November; and watered once every 4—5 days from December to March of the following year. In winter, if a large amount of water is to be given at one time, it can be done on cloudy and rainy days to prevent freezing damage; because on cloudy and rainy days the water will not freeze into ice right after watering. This is the watering pattern in the Yangtze River basin area. However, each region has its own watering habits.
How are orchid seeds planted?
1. Sowing orchid seeds can be divided into two methods: symbiotic sowing and asymbiotic sowing.
The asymbiotic sowing method involves sowing the seeds in test tubes or glass bottles containing a specialized culture medium. This method requires preparing a culture medium with very high requirements, the seeds must be sterilized, and temperature and humidity control management requirements are high. Even the transplanting after germination and sprouting requires relatively high ecological conditions and management techniques. Most hobbyists generally do not have the conditions to use the asymbiotic method for sowing and propagation.
2. Orchid seeds are extremely fine, and the seed contains only one incompletely developed embryo, with very low germination capacity. In addition, the seed coat does not easily absorb water, so sowing by conventional methods will not germinate. Therefore, orchid mycorrhizal fungi or an artificial culture medium is needed to supply nutrients for germination to occur.
3. For sowing, it is best to select fruit that has not yet split open. After sterilizing the surface with 75% alcohol, take out the seeds, soak them in 10% sodium hypochlorite for 5-10 minutes, take them out and rinse them 3 times with sterile water, then sow them in culture bottles containing the culture medium, and then place them in a dark culture room, maintaining the temperature at around 25 degrees C. After they begin to sprout, move them into the light and they can then form protocorms. From sowing to transplanting takes half a year to a year. Tissue culture has already been successfully achieved, and this method can be used for propagation where conditions permit.
How are orchids grown?
1. The first thing to pay attention to when growing orchids is the planting site, as different sites directly affect the growth and development of orchids. Orchids can generally be placed in open-air sites in spring, summer and autumn, and must be placed indoors in winter. Outdoors, it is best to have open space on all sides and moist air. Indoors, there must be sufficient light. This is beneficial to orchid growth. Orchid pots are best placed on wooden racks or tables, not directly on the ground.
2. There are many varieties of orchids, and most types are afraid of direct sunlight, so attention should be paid to appropriate shading. In early to mid-April, orchids can receive more sunlight to promote their growth. After late April, appropriate shading is needed. From the beginning of June to September, shading should be provided earlier each day. After October, when the weather begins to turn cooler and sunlight is weaker, shading can be delayed, but attention should still be paid to providing shade around noon.
3. Orchids can be exposed to a little light rain, but care should be taken to avoid moldy rain, showers or continuous rain.
4. Watering is also very important when growing orchids. In June-July, when the orchid leaf buds extend to about 1.5 cm, 1-2 applications of thin, well-rotted liquid fertilizer can be given (chemical fertilizers are not suitable). In August-September, apply 1-2 more applications of rotted, thin liquid fertilizer. For plain-colored orchid varieties, 1-2 applications of wood ash leachate can be given, with very good results. Fertilizing in the evening is best, and then water once with clear water the next morning.
5. When growing orchids, attention should be paid to sterilization treatment. Generally, exposure to the hot sun is sufficient, which can prevent disease occurrence. In order to prevent orchid diseases, in addition to appropriately controlling the dryness and moisture of the potting soil at ordinary times, clay pots should also be used as much as possible and glazed pots used less when choosing flower pots. In particular, newly collected orchids from the mountains that are growing poorly must be planted in clay pots. Doing so makes the potting soil dry easily, which can promote orchid growth and reduce the incidence of disease.