What Conditions Are Needed for Gastrodia Planting? A Full Analysis of the Latest Cultivation Key Points
Gastrodia is a perennial herb of the genus Gastrodia in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), mainly used medicinally for its tubers. It is a precious Chinese medicine listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and holds an extremely important place among the long-term best-selling varieties in China's traditional Chinese medicine market. Gastrodia is suitable for planting in moist, air-permeable, well-draining, loose loam or sandy loam rich in humus. Let's take a look below at what conditions are needed for planting Gastrodia!
Temperature Conditions
Temperature is the primary factor affecting the growth of Gastrodia. Gastrodia thrives in environments that are cool in summer and not overly cold in winter, and it is fairly sensitive to temperature. High or low temperatures directly affect the growth, yield and quality of Gastrodia. The temperature requirements for Gastrodia's growth and development correspond to the seasonal changes in natural temperature in its producing areas. When spring temperatures begin to rise and the ground temperature reaches above 10°C-12°C, Gastrodia that has gone through winter dormancy begins to sprout and grow. When the ground temperature reaches above 15°C, Gastrodia growth gradually becomes vigorous, and the meristem cells at the tip of the daughter tuber divide, elongate and enlarge rapidly, forming new tubers of varying sizes. Generally, from late May to early September, when the ground temperature is between 20°C and 25°C, this is the vigorous growth period for Gastrodia. However, when the summer ground temperature continuously exceeds 30°C, the growth of Armillaria mellea and Gastrodia is inhibited, producing “bird-head-shaped” arrow tubers. Therefore, in high-temperature seasons, heat protection and cooling measures should be taken. When the temperature falls below 15°C in late autumn and early winter, the growth rate of the new daughter tubers (tubers) of Gastrodia slows down, gradually stalls and enters overwintering dormancy.
Humidity Conditions
Gastrodia is suitable for growing in rainy and humid climatic conditions. Especially during the peak growth period from June to August, Gastrodia needs more moisture, while in late September, with more rain and low temperatures, Gastrodia may instead suffer harm from Armillaria mellea. The soil moisture content in Gastrodia producing areas varies greatly depending on soil type and texture. Humus-rich soil often maintains a moisture content above 50%. Higher soil moisture is beneficial to the growth of Gastrodia and Armillaria mellea, but excessively high soil moisture can easily cause Gastrodia to rot.