How to grow a Dragon's Whisker Orchid? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation methods
Dragon's Whisker Orchid, also known as Pingtung Bulbophyllum, is a relatively easy plant to grow. Grown indoors, it can improve the air environment and also has certain antibacterial effects, making it very popular. So how should you grow a Dragon's Whisker Orchid? Follow the editor to take a look at the detailed introduction below.
Cultivation methods for the Dragon's Whisker Orchid
1. Temperature and light
The Dragon's Whisker Orchid likes a warm environment and grows vigorously in environments above 20 degrees. In winter, the indoor temperature must not be lower than 10 degrees, otherwise yellowing leaves and leaf drop will occur. The Dragon's Whisker Orchid is afraid of direct strong light and is suitable for growing in an environment with relatively strong scattered light, but be careful to absorb sunlight appropriately to maintain leaf thickness. If it grows in a dark environment for a long time, it will cause the stems to become leggy, with long, thin, weak internodes, a sparse plant shape, and leaves that become thinner, paler and lose their luster. Therefore, in spring, summer and autumn it can be placed in a well-ventilated semi-shaded spot, while in winter it should be placed in a sunny spot. In summer, prevent strong light exposure to avoid scorching the leaves.
2. Watering and fertilizing
During regular care, water moderately and keep the potting soil alternately dry and moist. Never let it dry out, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow. However, too much watering that causes water to accumulate at the bottom of the pot can also cause root rot and death, and in winter watering must be controlled even more. Before planting, it is best to mix slow-release fertilizers such as oil cakes and bone meal into the potting soil as a base fertilizer. During the growing season, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every half month. Do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer; increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
3. Pest and disease control
The main pests and diseases of the Dragon's Whisker Orchid are root rot, leaf spot and nematodes. Root rot can be controlled by drenching the roots with 3% carbofuran granules. For leaf spot, first cut off the diseased spots or diseased leaves, then spray with a 500-fold dilution of 70% mancozeb wettable powder for control.
2. Points to note
When watering the Dragon's Whisker Orchid, it is best to choose clean tap water, but before watering, first let it sit for 24 hours. This can prevent the chlorine in the tap water from harming the plant. For fertilizing, it is best to follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently. Diluted liquid fertilizer is best; avoid raw fertilizer and concentrated fertilizer. When the leaves of the Dragon's Whisker Orchid grow vigorously, prune them in time. This not only increases air circulation but also reduces the possibility of pests and diseases breeding. In addition, pruning away dead leaves and diseased branches is also fine, so as not to affect the appearance.
The above is an introduction to how to grow a Dragon's Whisker Orchid. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.