A detailed explanation of key orchid cultivation techniques, teaching you how to grow orchids well

      Orchids are a type of perennial evergreen epiphytic flowering plant. They have unique flower shapes and graceful flower forms, and they are relatively expensive, which is why they have become a flower variety cherished by people.

Cutting off stems to encourage sprouting: for all kinds of orchids, especially the Cymbidium sinense (Chinese cymbidium), the stems after the flowers fade should be cut off as early as possible, and they should not be allowed to set seed, so as to avoid consuming nutrients and affecting the sprouting of axillary buds. After the flower stems are cut off, use soft gauze or a cotton ball dipped in a 0.1% omethoate or dichlorvos solution to gently wipe the front and back of the orchid leaves, so as to remove insect eggs, dust and stains, and welcome the arrival of the new growth period.

Dividing and potting all kinds of orchids: before dividing the pots, watering should be stopped for 3-5 days. When the potting medium in the pot is about 70% to 80% dry, carefully tip the orchid plant and the potting soil out, trying as much as possible not to break the orchid roots. After removing the rotten roots, divide each Cymbidium sinense plant into mother and child shoots; divide each group of autumn orchids and cold orchids, summer orchids and spring orchids into about 5 shoots. First wash them clean with disinfected water or clean water. The orchid roots and wounds can be dabbed with sulfur powder, then left to dry in the air. Wait until the orchid roots become soft and white before potting. Use fertile, sterile new potting medium for potting, and make sure the medium protects the roots and the roots cling to the medium. Place new plants facing outward and old plants facing inward, with the depth such that 1/3 of the orchid crown is exposed above the soil surface. After the plant is potted, place it in a shade shed, and in the morning and evening spray a little mist on the leaf surface. After 24 hours, once the wounds have healed, water thoroughly to settle the roots. After 15 days in the pot, normal management can begin.

Light regulation: although orchids like a cool and ventilated environment, they also need necessary sunlight. If potted orchids are placed in a shaded place all year round, the leaves will grow excessively, flowering will be sparse, the various organs of the orchid plant will become weak, and pests and diseases will easily occur. Therefore, light needs to be regulated reasonably to facilitate their robust growth. Generally speaking, green-leaf varieties, unusual-flower varieties and dwarf varieties need 60% of full sunlight in spring, and 50% afterward; variegated orchids need 50% of full sunlight in spring, and 30% afterward. To regulate light well, professional flower producers can use greenhouses for cultivation. Families with the conditions can build an orchid shed for growing them. Those using balcony-style flower growing can set up a movable plastic frame on it, pulling it open when needed and closing it when not needed, so as to ensure the normal growth of the orchids.

Fertilizer supply: when orchid plants are in a dormant or semi-dormant state and when they have just been divided and potted, applying fertilizer cannot be absorbed; in seasons with rain and high air humidity, applying too much fertilizer water will place a heavier burden on the orchid roots, and in severe cases can damage the roots and ruin the leaves, or even cause death. To ensure safety, orchids generally should not be fertilized during the dormant period, and root fertilization is also not suitable when they have just been divided and potted. If fertilizer is needed, a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be sprayed on the leaf surface on a sunny afternoon, once every 7 days. While spraying fertilizer, 0.1% dimethoate or dichlorvos can be mixed in to also control pests.

Sterilization and pest removal: around the place where orchids are cultivated and on the potted orchids, spray once every 7 days with disinfecting and sterilizing drugs (such as virus-clearing agents, chlorothalonil, sterilizing spirit, thiophanate-methyl, etc., diluted according to the instructions and used alternately), and spray once every 10 days with insecticidal drugs (such as omethoate, dichlorvos, trichlorfon, etc., diluted according to the instructions and used alternately). It should be noted that 2 hours after applying insecticidal drugs, the orchid leaf surfaces should be sprayed and washed once with clean water to avoid pesticide damage.