How to grow Cymbidium sinense in the north? Detailed guide to home cultivation methods

For many orchid enthusiasts, home cultivation of Cymbidium sinense is difficult, especially in the northern regions. Mr. Sun from Qingdao has grown Cymbidium sinense very successfully and has found regular, reliable experience for growing Cymbidium sinense at home in the north. He has simplified the complex and made it concise and to the point, which is very valuable for reference. It is shared here for northern Cymbidium sinense enthusiasts to consult and study.

　　(1) Flowering-period management of northern Cymbidium sinense (balcony cultivation)

When growing Cymbidium sinense on a northern balcony, pay attention to the high temperature and dryness caused by indoor heating, and also avoid the balcony temperature being too low. Flower buds begin to appear in November, some early and some late. In December, early-blooming varieties begin to push up their stems and enter the small bud-arranging stage. Night temperature 10—15 degrees, daytime 15—20 degrees. Pay attention to increasing humidity; the higher the temperature, the higher the humidity should be. If the temperature is too low, the flowering period is delayed or normal flowering may not occur. If the temperature is too high and the environment is dry, it easily causes bud drop.

　　In northern winters, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is very large. The following points should be noted in flowering-period management:

1. After the flower buds of Cymbidium sinense emerge from the soil, there is a stagnation period of more than one month: keeping the temperature at 10—15 degrees is beneficial to flower bud development.

2. During the bud-arranging stage of Cymbidium sinense, it is more suitable to keep the temperature at 15—20 degrees: the critical high temperature during the flowering period is about 23 degrees; exceeding 23—25 degrees easily causes dry buds.

3. During the flowering period of Cymbidium sinense, more sunlight is beneficial for fragrance release.

　　Cymbidium sinense management during the growing period is simple and has nothing particularly special

1. Cymbidium sinense is shade-tolerant and can be grown together with other orchid species, and can also be grown indoors.

2. Cymbidium sinense likes fertilizer and can be watered and fertilized like other orchid species, or slightly more water and fertilizer can be added.

3. Cymbidium sinense has a tall plant shape, but its root system is not very well developed, so the pot should not be too large.

3. The seedling production rate of Cymbidium sinense is not high, but it easily produces flowers.

　　(2) How to make Cymbidium sinense bloom during the Spring Festival! (Flower forcing)

By regulating temperature and humidity, Cymbidium sinense can bloom during the Spring Festival; the simplest method is to place it in a heated bathroom, increase the amount of watering, and raise the temperature and humidity. This is abbreviated as the “bathroom flower-forcing method.”

When the Cymbidium sinense was purchased before New Year's Day, the flower buds were very short. The flower buds of Jinhua Mountain were about 3, 5 cm, and the longest was less than 10 cm. The flower buds of Bai Mo had just emerged from the leaf sheath. A Fujian orchid vendor said that because the Spring Festival is early this year, the flowers might not be visible. The goods arrived and were potted on December 30. Today is 10 days later. Jinhua Mountain has already entered the large bud-arranging stage and opened a few flowers. The flower stems of Bai Mo are already 20—30 cm and should enter the bud-arranging stage in another 10 days. Blooming before the Spring Festival will be just right for giving as gifts.

　　Several issues should be noted when forcing Cymbidium sinense to bloom:

1. When increasing temperature, humidity must be increased at the same time; otherwise, high temperature and dryness easily cause dry buds and withering.

2. The suitable temperature during the flowering period of Cymbidium sinense is 15~20 degrees. When increasing temperature, it should not be suddenly raised too high; keep it at about 20 degrees. If it exceeds 23 degrees and humidity is insufficient, dry buds are likely.

3. Keeping it shut in the bathroom not only makes it convenient to increase temperature and humidity, but also quickly pushes up the stems and prevents the flower stems from bending toward the light.

4. Try to choose varieties with ordinary petal types. The blooming time of wonder-type Cymbidium sinense is too long. It is best not to force flowering in plum-petal Cymbidium sinense; otherwise, the flower quality will be poor.