How to grow orchids? Mastering the seasons is the key to growing orchids well

    The sprouting, growth, flowering and fruiting of orchids are closely tied to the seasons. If you cultivate orchids according to the seasons, they will thrive.

From January to March come the solar terms Minor Cold, Major Cold, Start of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox. During this period the flower buds of Chinese Cymbidium (Cymbidium goeringii) form. Orchids like warmth but fear dampness, and like dryness but fear aridity, so water a little around the rim of the pot. As the rain nourishes them and the shoots sprout, pay attention to pests and diseases and fertilize in moderation; a light feed is best, and avoid over-concentration. During this period the Chinese Cymbidium types bloom, and superior specimens can be selected. As the spring shoots emerge, appropriately increase the light and supplement nutrients. For research purposes you can collect orchid seed capsules for later use, and carry out division and repotting.

　　

From April to June come the solar terms Pure Brightness, Grain Rain, Start of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear and Summer Solstice. In this season of high temperature and high humidity, you can fertilize more often, keeping it light, but pay special attention to preventing pests and diseases. In this season the summer cymbidiums, rabbit-ear orchids (Cymbidium lancifolium) and others bloom, so you can enjoy the summer orchids and select new varieties. During this period the light begins to intensify, so when growing orchids take care to shade them and protect the leaf surface. The autumn orchid types begin to produce flower buds; be careful that the buds do not get too wet, and keep them moist as far as possible to ensure smooth flowering.

　　

From July to September come the solar terms Major Heat, Minor Heat, Start of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew and Autumn Equinox; this is the season of the year with the highest humidity, the highest temperatures and the most pests and diseases. In this season, cool things down, ventilate and shade, keep the potting soil moist, and keep the orchid leaves clean. When the autumn orchids bloom, you can apply nitrogen fertilizer to them. Chinese Cymbidiums also begin to form flower buds, and the autumn shoots have already sprouted; pay attention to applying foliar fertilizer and increasing organic fertilizer to ensure the autumn shoots emerge and grow and to supply the flower buds with sufficient nutrients. During this period, pay special attention to the prevention of pests and diseases, and carry out pest and disease control frequently.

　　

From October to December come the solar terms Cold Dew, Frost's Descent, Start of Winter, Minor Snow, Major Snow and Winter Solstice. The flower buds of Chinese Cymbidium (Cymbidium goeringii) push upward, so light should be appropriately increased. The air gradually becomes dry and the temperature gradually turns cold, so ensure the humidity in the pot and spray the leaf surface frequently in the morning and evening. Once the temperature drops to a certain level, the orchids should be moved indoors to prevent the seedlings and roots from being harmed by freezing; no fertilizer should be applied during this period. In places with a short frost period, the orchids can be given more morning sun to promote the growth of the autumn shoots. After the orchids enter dormancy, the flower buds elongate; do not repot and do not fertilize, continue the pest control work, and keep the whole pot at a certain level of humidity. When the orchids are in bloom, it is best not to spray water, to prevent the orchid petals from stretching.