Monthly care essentials for orchid cultivation and management
January, the time of the last frost and first snow and the Great Cold solar term. Except for the Jiangnan region, where temperatures rarely drop to 0°C, the monthly average temperature is around 5-10°C. To ensure the orchids overwinter robustly and safely, curtains are generally hung and windows closed to prevent cold air from entering. Where enclosed conditions are available, light radiation and heating should be increased, and windows opened at the right time for ventilation, keeping warmth at 10-12°C and no lower than 5°C at night. If the weather is too dry and the potting soil is too dry, it is best to water thoroughly at noon; flowering orchids should get plenty of sunlight.
February, though early in the month spring has arrived, there is still spring cold. The monthly average rises by 1-2°C, and common spring orchids have generally formed flower buds waiting to open. Pay attention to keeping warm and protecting the pots, and open windows often for ventilation. Especially for Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium goeringii var. longibracteatum and Cymbidium sinense, they should receive more sunlight; pay attention to changing their direction so the flowers are more colorful, and keep only one or two shoots in bloom. Pay attention to keeping the pots moist, washing the leaves, and keeping observation records. This is the time to take part in orchid shows to establish their names.
March, the temperature gradually becomes spring-warm, with a monthly average of around 10°C. Cymbidium goeringii generally bloom; select fine varieties for planting, and apply medicinal fertilizer to orchids without flower buds. This is also a good time to select plants.
April, the temperature gradually rises, with gentle breezes and bright sunshine, and a monthly average of 15°C-18°C. There is light rain and frequent southwest winds. Old leaves fall and new shoots sprout. Pay attention to balancing dryness and moisture; this is a good time for repotting and changing the soil.
May, the temperature rises, with a monthly average of around 20°C. Pay attention to disease prevention and pest removal. Daughter shoots break through the soil and grow, and topdressing can be carried out.
June, the monthly average is 25°C and the heat begins, entering the "plum rain season", with much rain, damp heat, alternating overcast and sunny weather, and lush green plants, so thinning is carried out. Daughter shoots have grown; pay attention to changes at the shoot tips. At this time favor shade; Cymbidium faberi may take slightly more sun, which helps the new plants grow strong. Continue topdressing.
July, the climate turns to high temperatures, with a monthly average above 30°C. Provide strong shading and strengthen ventilation and cooling work. Guard against strong winds and frequently spray water mist on the leaf surfaces. Summer and autumn orchids bloom one after another; pay attention to careful selection, recording and planting.
August, similar to July, with a monthly average of 35°C and frequent showers. Pay attention to watering in the morning and evening, and to disease prevention and pest control. Flower buds of all kinds of orchids emerge through the soil surface, new roots and new plants have grown, and cracks appear on the pot surface; fill them in at any time.
September, turning to autumn, with a monthly average of 32°C. At "White Dew", there is occasional dryness, so thorough watering and shading can be increased, and a final topdressing can be given to weak and small plants. The 23rd, late in the month, is "Autumn Equinox", the most suitable period of the year for repotting and division.
October, with a monthly average of around 20°C, the air turns autumn-cool. Water according to whether the potting soil is dry or moist, tidy the pot surface, and remove autumn buds. If autumn shoots appear, give another topdressing with water. More sunlight means more flowers.
November, with a monthly average of 15°C, there is a chill morning and evening. Pay attention to guarding against frost. Some selected fine flowers can be brought indoors and rotated every three to five days. This is a good time to buy Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium kanran. By the end of the month, flowering Cymbidium kanran and Cymbidium sinense varieties can be brought indoors for care.
December, entering deep winter. Before the "Great Snow" solar term, all orchid pots should be brought indoors, or placed under the corridor, or kept in an enclosed room for maintenance.