How to overwinter orchids safely? A full breakdown of winter care techniques

Orchids refer to Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium faberi, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium sinense, and Cymbidium kanran, among others. Watering: In winter, when temperatures are low, reducing the amount of water given to orchids can raise the concentration of cell sap, which helps flower bud formation, so keeping the potting soil at a certain level of moisture is enough. For orchids that already have flower buds, it is even more important to avoid soil that is too dry or too wet, otherwise flowering will be affected. Watering should be done at noon when it is warm. Cold protection: Orchids generally do not suffer cold damage above 0°C.

　　I. By region

(1) In the north, orchids must spend the winter in a greenhouse, from the end of September to mid-to-early April of the following year, but ventilation must be maintained to prevent stuffiness.

(2) In the Yangtze River basin, move orchids in winter to a spot under the eaves that faces the sun and is sheltered from the wind; when there is wind, snow, or severe cold, move them indoors, or they can also overwinter under a plastic film shelter.

(3) In the south, orchids do not need to be moved indoors. Temperature control: If the temperature is controlled reasonably in winter, orchids can be guaranteed to bloom normally, and their vegetative growth can be promoted.

　　II. By variety

(1) For Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi, if the indoor temperature is around 10°C, the formed flower buds will die below the soil surface, or the flower stalk will not elongate, affecting normal flowering. If low temperatures are provided, the flower buds will instead become plump and produce good flowers.

(2) For Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium sinense, and Cymbidium kanran, a temperature of around 10°C is best.

If conditions permit, orchids can be heated, keeping the indoor temperature at 15°C during the day and 5°C at night. This is done in three stages: first, heat in late autumn and early winter to promote full maturity of the plants; second, do not heat from mid-December to the end of January, only maintaining 5°C, allowing slow growth; third, starting in February, heat and provide full light and a certain amount of humidity, which can bring orchids into the growth period ahead of time, and after a month and a half new shoots can grow.