Key Points for Orchid Cultivation and Management in September

     This month has two solar terms: White Dew on September 7 and the Autumn Equinox on September 23. The average temperature is similar to that of June. In the August orchid cultivation and management guidance, it was said that "this month enters the Beginning of Autumn, which marks the start of the cool autumn season, and the End of Heat means the hot summer days are about to end. Both solar terms indicate that August will enter cool weather." But in reality, an "autumn tiger" heat wave arrived, and the temperature in August was no lower than in July. The sun was especially harsh. At its hottest, the temperature still lingered between 36-38 degrees. A few days ago, I visited several orchid enthusiast friends and found that due to the sustained high temperatures in August, some enthusiasts suffered losses to varying degrees, and many orchids became diseased. September has the two solar terms White Dew and Autumn Equinox; the summer heat gradually fades, and there is a slight hint of autumn. The roots and leaves of orchids are already very lush, so they can be exposed to a bit more sunlight to increase the firmness of the orchid plants and strengthen their ability to resist disease and withstand the cold through winter. A sparse shade screen can be used for shading. However, for special weather with higher temperatures, shading is still needed, and one must not be careless. Management of water, soil, fertilizer, pests and diseases, ventilation, temperature, and light still cannot be relaxed.

       I. Environmental Management 

     Continue to do a good job in orchid environmental management, and still pay attention to orchid ventilation and air circulation. From the latter part of the month, shading work can basically be concluded, allowing orchids to get a bit more sunlight and strengthening their ability to resist disease and withstand the cold through winter.

       II. Watering Management In autumn, prevent drought damage, that is, prevent "water calyx dryness." During long dry spells, more watering is still needed to avoid the potting medium becoming too dry; slightly "moist" is preferable. But if there are prolonged rainy days, then pay attention to controlling water. After the weather clears, do not water just because the potting soil looks slightly dry; give the orchid plants a chance to breathe. If you want flowers, then water control is needed to promote dryness, withholding water to induce flower buds. Autumn weather is generally rather dry, so pay attention to increasing air humidity. You can spray water on the ground; if conditions permit, using a sprayer or water curtain will give a better humidifying effect. But humidification must have a "limit." If humidity is too high, the orchid plants' ability to resist disease will decline, making disease outbreaks likely  

       III. Nutrition Management This month the temperature difference between day and night is obvious, making it the golden season for orchid plant growth. You can boldly fertilize the orchid plants. Fertilization during this period is very important; it can not only help this year's new growths grow into large plants and strong plants, but also help the orchid plants accumulate nutrients, providing assurance for producing large shoots and growing large plants next year. At the same time, it promotes the growth of flower buds. Fertilization can be done once every 7 to 10 days, alternating between root fertilization and foliar fertilization. Both organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers can be used, with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as the main focus. Fertilizing in the evening and morning is best. If applying fertilizer by irrigation, it is best to do it in the evening and then water again the next morning.

       IV. Pest and Disease Management This month scale insects, red spider mites, aphids, and snails are still very rampant, and soft rot and black spot disease occur frequently. Pay attention to insecticide and sterilization, but pesticides must not exceed the normal dosage. Pay attention to regularly changing the types of chemicals and regularly carry out a comprehensive disinfection of the orchid site. The best time for applying chemicals is still in the evening, because when sprayed at this time, the liquid remains for a longer period, which helps enhance the insecticidal and sterilization effect.

       V. Other Management. From the latter part of this month to early October, with clear autumn skies and refreshing air, it is a great time for repotting and changing medium as well as division and planting. Any orchids that need repotting or division can be handled during this period. At the same time, it is also a golden period for introducing and trading orchids, so one should not miss the opportunity to seek new varieties and develop one's own orchid garden. One should be willing to part with surplus varieties of one's own. First, it can accumulate funds, using orchids to support orchids; second, it can make orchid friends, and at the same time it is easy to find the varieties one needs.