How to vernalize orchids in southern regions
The cymbidium cultivar "Wang's Su He" was selected, named and registered by orchid enthusiast Wang Longqi. In 2006, he purchased 4 wild-collected plants with flowers at a high price. Wang Longqi applied to the China Orchid Society for registration and naming. It originates from Luoyang, Henan. The overall effect is ordinary!
Spring orchids and cymbidiums need vernalization to bloom, and whether vernalization is sufficient determines the flower quality.
The key point of vernalization is to make the orchid stop growing and switch from nutrient metabolism to reproductive metabolism. That is, the orchid plants stop growing and supply nutrients to the flower buds.
Methods of vernalization include low temperature, increasing the temperature difference, and reducing light.
In the north, where temperatures are lower, it can be achieved through "low temperature + increasing the temperature difference."
For southern temperatures, cymbidium vernalization is mainly achieved through "low temperature + reducing light."
Reducing light, especially reducing midday light, can effectively avoid temperature increases and inhibit orchid growth.
Specific methods of vernalization include going up the mountain, pulling double-layer shade nets, and placing them on an outdoor windowsill facing north.
On mountains above 500-800 m, vernalization with sufficient light can be achieved. At lower altitudes, light should be appropriately reduced, placing them in a shady spot facing the north wind.
For those growing in greenhouses, pulling double-layer shade nets is more convenient. Be careful to remove the film on the roof and around the sides.
General orchid enthusiasts can place cymbidiums that need vernalization on a north-facing open-air windowsill, with only brief sunlight in the morning and evening, similar to how northern orchid enthusiasts escape the summer heat.
When the temperature drops, light can be appropriately increased; when the temperature is too high, increase shading. Figure out the right balance slowly by yourself..
Cymbidium vernalization takes a relatively long time, generally 3-5 months. The longer the time, the better the flowers you will see.
Combined with the phenology of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, vernalization generally needs to begin in late October, and flower forcing can be done between the Spring Festival and April as needed.
In the past two years, there have been many experiences of cymbidiums blooming normally in Fujian, Guangxi and Yunnan. One orchid garden even had normal blooming on a large scale, which is undoubtedly good news for southern orchid enthusiasts and cymbidiums.
The experience still needs to be explored and summarized little by little. Growing orchids is always an ongoing journey..
These experiences and summaries come from the unremitting efforts and exploration of southern orchid enthusiasts. They also have reference value for balcony orchid growing and for orchid enthusiasts in northern heating areas, so they are shared here with fellow orchid enthusiasts.