Cymbidium ensifolium propagation techniques explained in detail, all the key methods clarified in one article
Cymbidium sinense 'Yu Qilin' - also known as Dog Head, Dog Ear Dragonfly Orchid. A rare Cymbidium sinense cultivar, with an intermediate leaf type. Leaves are thick and broad, the flower is a butterfly-type flower with a rounded center petal, flowers all open facing upward, the lip is golden yellow and curls outward, very beautiful, with broad and long leaves.
1. Selection of pots
Orchid pots with a rough texture, no glaze, many holes on the sides and bottom, and pot feet are better for growing orchids. For mass production, thin plastic soft pots are the most economical. For display-oriented orchid growing, tall, narrow small pots are used so they can be slipped into elegant pots for display as needed.
2. Mixing of potting medium
The potting medium should be selected to be loose with good granular structure, rich in organic matter, good air permeability, and strong drainage, favorable for aerobic microbial activity and enhancing orchid-fungus symbiosis. The following mixed media can be used: 40% humus soil, 40% burned soil, 20% coarse sand; 30% Xianggu Cymbidium ensifolium soil, 30% burned soil, 25% coarse sand, 15% rice husk; 40% humus soil, 40% coarse sand, 20% rice husk.
3. Planting of orchid plants
(1) Seedling treatment
After the orchid plants are lifted from the seedling bed, wash off the mud and sand on the root mass, remove the leafless pseudobulbs, and cut off diseased and damaged leaves and rotten roots. Before planting, soak the seedlings for half an hour in a 2000-fold dilution of Topsin or Kocide, then take them out, rinse clean with clear water, place them in a ventilated spot, and let the moisture dry before planting.
(2) Planting
Plants with only 1-2 clumps can be planted in the center of the pot. When planting multiple clumps in a pot, the old plants of each clump should face the center of the pot and the new plants should face the rim of the pot, so as to increase the sprouting rate of the new plants and give them room to grow and develop. When planting, put the coarsest potting medium into the pot up to 15% of the pot height. After placing the orchid plant, spread the root mass evenly, being careful to prevent the orchid roots from being broken or damaged, and slowly fill in fine potting medium up to 95% of the pot height. Tap and shake so that the fine potting medium and the orchid roots are closely combined. The height of the fine potting medium in the orchid pot is about 90%, which makes watering easier. The base of the orchid plant (pseudobulb) is half exposed on the pot surface, giving it more opportunity to receive natural light and fresh air.