How to grow Cymbidium lianpan? Master these few care points
Collected from the wild in 2009, the buds are tender green from bud stage to first bloom, and change color after fully opening; the petals are thick, the flowers large, and the texture as soft as mutton fat - the more it blooms, the more beautiful it becomes!
Li Zhongjian
Because Yunnan's Cymbidium lianpan has elegant posture, graceful leaves and fragrant flowers, it is increasingly loved by the vast number of orchid enthusiasts across the country. In addition, orchid prices are currently low, so the number of people introducing it for ornamental purposes has soared. However, some orchid enthusiasts lack basic knowledge of orchid cultivation, and after introducing it they find it hard to make it bloom, and end up with scorched tips, withered leaves and rotted roots. In order to help the many orchid lovers grow orchids well and beautify their environment, here are the key points for cultivating Cymbidium lianpan well, for the reference of growers.
1. Substrate mixing: chestnut leaves make up 60-70%, and orchid mycorrhizal soil, vermiculite, etc. make up 30-40%; just mix them together. You can also buy ready-made pre-mixed substrate.
2. Fertilizer: chestnut leaves, orchid mycorrhizal soil, vermiculite, etc. already contain certain nutrients. To balance the fertility, when planting the orchid place a ring of sheep manure pellets along the edge of the upper part of the pot, which can meet the orchid's nutrient needs year-round.
3. Keep the substrate in the pot moist: orchids have fleshy roots with a certain water-retaining capacity, but the substrate does not hold water strongly. If the watering interval is too long and the substrate becomes too dry, it will instead draw water back from the orchid roots, causing the roots to shrivel and rot, so water 1-2 times per week. In winter and the rainy season reduce this as appropriate; in the dry season and hot season increase the watering frequency, so that the substrate in the pot always stays moist.
4. Watering: watering orchids requires care. Besides adjusting the watering frequency by season, it must be especially stressed that when watering, do not pour water onto the orchid flower buds (buds). Once the buds (buds) get wet, they generally will not open, and then you will not get to enjoy the orchid flowers. Water slowly around the edges of the orchid pot to prevent the buds from being spoiled.
5. The climate varies across the country. In cold seasons, those in the north should place the orchids indoors on a balcony or in the living room to grow them, while in summer both north and south should place them in a ventilated balcony, terrace or living room. In winter and the rainy season, control water in the pot; in the dry season, keep the pot moist. In short, an environment suitable for people to live in is suitable for orchids to grow.