How to grow orchids? These 5 tips will help you grow orchids well

Orchids, together with plum blossoms, narcissus and chrysanthemums, are known as the four elegant flowers and plants, and are one of the top ten famous flowers of our country. Since ancient times, orchids have been regarded as the “embodiment of upright spirit” and a symbol of good fortune and beautiful things in the world. Growing a pot of orchids well is not an easy thing either. So let's take a look at what tips there are for growing orchids well?

What you need to know about growing orchids

① Temperature

The optimal growing temperature is 18--30°C. Below 5°C and above 35°C, growth is slow. The reproductive growth period is 5--18°C. In winter, they should be placed indoors.

② Humidity

Orchids grow well when the relative air humidity is 60--70%. Too dry or too wet can easily trigger orchid diseases. Therefore, outdoor cultivation should create a gradual humidity microclimate suitable for orchid growth, and indoors a sprayer and hygrometer should be installed.

③ Light

Orchids like shade and fear direct sun. In summer, before seven o'clock you can let sunlight shine directly on the orchid leaves; after seven o'clock, use a 50%--90% shade net to block the sunlight. Around Qingming, orchids can be given more sun to encourage root development and more leaf buds. After Bailu, when the weather turns cooler and most new plants have grown, they can also be given more sunlight to make the flower buds plump and allow the orchid plants to store more nutrients for the next year's growth.

④ Watering

Orchids like rain but fear waterlogging, and like moisture but fear wetness. In June-July, when the orchid leaf buds have extended about 1.5 cm, you can apply 1-2 times of thin, well-rotted liquid fertilizer (chemical fertilizer should not be used). In August-September, apply 1-2 more times of well-rotted thin liquid fertilizer. For plain-colored varieties of orchids, you can apply 1-2 times of wood ash extract, and the effect is very good. The best time to fertilize is in the evening, then water once with clear water the next morning.

⑤ Fertilizer

Orchids like a light diet, so when fertilizing, it is better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. Like other plants, nitrogen can promote lush growth of stems and leaves. Phosphorus can promote well-developed orchid roots, promote robust development of reproductive organs, and spread out stems and leaves. Magnesium, sulfur, iron and other trace elements can make leaves green and flowers strong.

During the vigorous growth period of orchids, fertilize more; during the dormant period or weak growth period, do not fertilize. If you over-fertilize, it will burn the roots and leaves and cause irreparable loss.

Tips for growing orchids

1. Do not use too large a pot——planting a small plant in a large pot uses a lot of growing medium, which easily leads to poor ventilation, and watering is also hard to control. If too much water is absorbed when watering, the growing medium is not easy to dry, and bacteria invade and cause root rot.

2. Orchids should be planted shallowly——when planting orchid plants, do not plant them too deep, otherwise long-term moisture will cause rot. When planting, fill the growing medium around the roots, and the base or pseudobulbs must be exposed.

3. The roots should be spread out——when planting orchids, the roots should be evenly spread out and not pressed together, so that each root can contact the growing medium and ventilation is also better.

4. Do not water for several days——newly planted orchids may have injured roots. After the wounds are coated with fungicide, do not water for 3~5 days, so that the fungicide can take effect and also promote the growth of new shoots and new roots.

5. Avoid strong light——newly planted orchids must avoid direct strong light to prevent dehydration, and should be placed in a warm and shaded place. Spraying can be used to increase the humidity in the air until the orchids return to normal growth.