A detailed guide to the twelve months of orchid care
Orchids mainly have six petals, namely three outer petals and three inner petals (some orchids also have seven or eight petals). The three outer petals include the main petal and the secondary petals. The three outer petals are broad and round or broad, with intact and unbroken petal tips, tightly contracted bases and edges, thick and glutinous texture, and not floppy. The column is small and the lip is large, with the lip round or square in shape. The red dots inside the lip are neatly arranged and brightly colored. The main petal...
January, the time of the last frost and first snow and the Great Cold, except for the very few places in Jiangnan at 0°C, the monthly average temperature is around 5-10°C. To ensure the orchids overwinter robustly and safely, generally hang curtains and close windows to prevent cold air from entering. Where enclosure conditions are available, light radiation and heating should be increased, and windows should be opened in a timely manner for ventilation, keeping warmth at 10-12°C, with nighttime not lower than 5°C. If the weather is too dry and the potting soil is too dry, water thoroughly at noon, and flowering orchids should receive more sunlight.
February, although early in the month spring has arrived, there is still spring cold, and the monthly average rises by 1-2°C. Generally, spring orchids have already formed flower buds and are waiting to bloom. Pay attention to keeping warm and protecting the pots, and open windows often for ventilation. Especially for Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium goeringii var. longibracteatum, and Cymbidium sinense, they should receive more sunlight, and attention should be paid to changing direction so the flowers are more colorful; keep only one or two shoots open. Pay attention to pot moisture, wash the leaves, and keep observation records. Use them to enter orchid exhibitions for proper naming.
March, the temperature gradually becomes spring-warm, with a monthly average temperature of around 10°C. Cymbidium goeringii generally blooms, and selected fine varieties are planted. Apply medicinal fertilizer to orchids without flower buds. This is also a good time to select plants.
April, the temperature gradually rises, the wind is gentle and the sun is beautiful, and the monthly average temperature is 15°C-18°C. There is light rain and frequent southwest wind. Old leaves fall and new shoots sprout. Pay attention to keeping moisture even, as this is a good time for repotting and changing soil.
May, the temperature rises, with a monthly average of around 20°C. Pay attention to disease prevention and insect removal. Daughter buds break through the soil and grow, and topdressing can be carried out.
June, with a monthly average of 25°C, the hot weather begins, entering the "plum rain season," with much rain and damp heat, alternating overcast and sunny. The green plants are lush, so thinning is carried out. Daughter buds have grown, and attention should be paid to changes in bud tips. At this time, keep them in partial shade; Cymbidium faberi can take slightly more sun, which is beneficial for the new plants to grow sturdily. Continue topdressing.
July, the climate turns to high temperature, with a monthly average above 30°C. Provide strong shading, and strengthen ventilation and cooling work. Prevent strong winds, and frequently spray water mist on the leaf surfaces. Summer and autumn orchids bloom one after another; pay attention to careful selection, recording, and planting.
August, similar to July, with a monthly average of 35°C and frequent showers. Pay attention to watering in the morning and evening, and prevent disease and control insects. Flower buds of all kinds of orchids have emerged from the soil surface, new roots and new plants have already grown, and if there are cracks on the pot surface, fill them in at any time.
September, turning to autumn, with a monthly average of 32°C. At "White Dew," there is occasional dryness, so thorough watering and shading can be strengthened. Give weak and small seedlings one final topdressing. In the late part of the month on the 23rd, "Autumn Equinox" is the most suitable period of the year for repotting and division.
October, with a monthly average of around 20°C, the air turns autumn-cool. Water according to the dryness and wetness of the potting soil, tidy the pot surface, and remove autumn buds. If autumn shoots appear, apply fertilizer water once more. More sunlight means more flowers.
November, with a monthly average of 15°C, there is chill in the morning and evening. Pay attention to preventing frost. Some selected fine flowers can be brought indoors and rotated every three to five days. This is a good time to purchase Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium kanran. By the end of the month, flowering Cymbidium kanran and Cymbidium sinense varieties can be brought indoors for maintenance.
December, entering deep winter. Before the "Great Snow" solar term, all orchid pots should be brought indoors, placed under the corridor, or kept in a closed room for care.