Three issues to note when vernalizing orchids
During the period from the Winter Solstice to Major Cold, temperatures across China are at their lowest of the year, a time commonly known as deep winter. When we talk about growing orchids in deep winter, we cannot forget the vernalization of orchids. The so-called vernalization of Chinese orchids refers to the low-temperature stage that orchids must go through during their reproductive growth, which plays a... role in promoting the growth of flower buds.
Vernalize in sunlight, bloom in shade, and the stems will be tall and the quality good; when growing orchids indoors, vernalizing in shade and blooming in sunlight also works well. During the period from the Winter Solstice to Major Cold, temperatures across China are at their lowest of the year, a time commonly known as deep winter. When we talk about growing orchids in deep winter, we cannot forget the vernalization of orchids.
The so-called vernalization of Chinese orchids refers to the low-temperature stage that orchids must go through during their reproductive growth, and it plays an indispensable role in promoting the growth of flower buds. How well vernalization is carried out determines how well the orchids bloom, so it must not be taken lightly, and three issues must be noted.
First, vernalization must be sufficient. Generally speaking, the period from Light Snow to Major Cold is the best time for orchid vernalization, and the temperature during this period should preferably be kept between 0°C and 12°C. The vernalization period generally must not be shorter than one month, and the period from the Winter Solstice to Major Cold is especially important.
Second, during vernalization, avoid temperatures that are too high or too low. During the vernalization stage, the temperature must by no means fluctuate too greatly. Low temperatures below minus 5°C and temperatures above 15°C are both unfavorable to the normal growth of flower buds, and can easily cause orchid buds to become dormant, affecting the elongation of the flower scape. Cymbidium goeringii often shows the phenomenon of "borrowing spring to bloom," greatly reducing the quality of the flowers.
Third, during vernalization, avoid excessively high humidity.
For orchids in nature, the vernalization period is the time when air humidity and soil humidity are at their lowest. The ecological and environmental conditions of orchids in nature are the direction that growers who cultivate orchids in orchid houses must strive to recreate. Therefore, during the vernalization stage, neither the air humidity nor the humidity of the potting soil should be too high; otherwise, buds and roots are prone to rot, which is extremely unfavorable to the growth of orchids and cymbidiums the following year.
Practice has repeatedly proven that low-temperature vernalization is an unavoidable stage in the reproductive growth of orchids and cymbidiums, and growers must not violate natural laws by changing it artificially. In order for orchids to bloom better, they must be fully vernalized. (Shi Zongyi)