What kind of soil is suitable for growing cymbidium orchids?

Cymbidium orchids have been a very popular flower variety in China in recent years. They can not only be grown in pots but are also excellent cut flower material. Cymbidium orchids are artificially hybridized species introduced from abroad, so what kind of soil is best for home cultivation? Let's take a look at tips for growing cymbidium orchids at home.

1. What soil to use for growing cymbidium orchids

The growing medium for cymbidium orchids can be moss, fern roots, bark chunks, charcoal, palm bark, coconut husk, crushed brick, tiles, gravel, etc. When planting, first place the orchid seedling into the pot, then fill it with the potting material. You can also tie the root system of the cymbidium orchid onto a section of wood with bark, and the new roots will grow around the bark, also growing well. It is best to choose a tall cylindrical pot with many holes in the bottom and on all four sides. The lower part of the pot should be filled with charcoal, expanded clay pebbles and other materials to help with drainage.

2. Tips for growing cymbidium orchids at home

1. Light: Vigorous growth of cymbidium orchids depends on light. Generally, apart from shading needed during the high temperatures of midsummer, sufficient light should be maintained in other seasons.

2. Watering: When grown at home, the potting soil should be kept moist during the growing period. Water whenever the soil looks dry, and water thoroughly each time. Do not water too frequently, to prevent waterlogging and root rot. In summer with high temperatures, water evaporates quickly, so the frequency of watering should be increased.

3. Fertilizer: During the growing period, appropriate additional fertilizing is needed. Following the principle of "light fertilizer applied frequently," you can apply a slow-release compound solid fertilizer by sprinkling about ten granules along the edge of the pot, then water to promote absorption by the plant.

4. Bud removal: Promptly remove excess buds growing from old pseudobulbs. Buds that emerge after the end of November should be kept.

3. Yellowing leaves and scorched edges in cymbidium orchids

1. Improper transplanting: When repotting and changing soil, it is best to choose loam rich in humus, to avoid fermentation of organic matter in the potting soil that can damage the flower's root system. If the root system is burned, root rot will occur, causing the plant to develop yellow leaves or die. It is best to choose a tall cylindrical pot with many holes in the bottom or on all four sides, use bark chunks or fern roots with good air permeability and water permeability as the growing medium, and add charcoal, expanded clay pebbles and other materials to the lower part of the pot to help with drainage.

2. Insufficient light: Cymbidium orchids are light-loving plants, but they dislike direct strong light. They grow best under scattered light, and too weak light will cause poor growth. When growing cymbidium orchids indoors, it is best to place them on a balcony or in a spot with sufficient light, and also pay attention to whether the flower adapts to the microclimate of that position.

3. Improper watering: Cymbidium orchids like moisture, but their fleshy root system can store water, so they are relatively drought-tolerant. Overwatering or watering too frequently can easily cause water to accumulate at the bottom of the pot, affecting root aeration, triggering root rot, and gradually turning the leaves yellow. Watering should follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet," and the number of days between waterings should be flexibly adjusted according to room temperature. When temperatures are low, it is best to spray the leaf surfaces with clean water close to room temperature. Stop water and fertilizer during the flowering period, and resume normal watering and fertilizing after flowering. Never apply too much or too concentrated fertilizer.

4. Temperature too low: Cymbidium orchids like a warm environment, especially in the north, where they need to be kept indoors in winter. If exposed to cold drafts, the leaves or flowers can also be damaged. In such cases the plant generally will not wither; you can only cut off the yellowed leaves and gradually nurse it back to health.

5. Unsuitable environment: Cymbidium orchids have relatively high requirements for air humidity. In a hot and dry environment, their leaves easily develop yellowing and scorched edges. It is recommended to use a spray bottle to mist the leaf surfaces daily to increase air humidity. Keep them away from places like air conditioning and heating vents, otherwise the leaves are very prone to scorched edges and yellowing. If this happens, you need to move the plant and then cut off the yellow leaves.