Two misconceptions to avoid in orchid cultivation

Author: f123

1. The wrong concept of "sterilizing potting medium". Orchids are plants with a symbiotic relationship with root fungi; only when the orchid fungi around the root system provide nutrients to the roots can the orchid obtain sufficient growth nutrients. Regardless of whether it is healthy or not, using fungicide to "sterilize the potting medium" before cultivation actually destroys this naturally balanced growing condition. The consequence of doing so is that the orchid has to re-propagate orchid fungi, and the longer acclimatization period leads to slow growth of seedlings, roots, and shoots. In severe cases, when the potting medium becomes alkaline, anaerobic harmful bacteria will be produced. Over time, the orchid cannot absorb nutrients for a long period, and when the number of anaerobic harmful bacteria becomes too large, the orchid will gradually become sick. Disinfecting the wounds when dividing orchid plants is the correct approach.

Orchid fungi are divided into beneficial bacteria (aerobic bacteria, oxygen-requiring bacteria) and harmful bacteria (anaerobic bacteria). As long as the environment is rich in oxygen and beneficial orchid fungi occupy the space in the potting medium, the beneficial bacteria can inhibit the harmful bacteria, meaning that the pathogens causing root rot, seedling rot, and other diseases in orchids find it very difficult to survive and reproduce. This is a concept that must be fully understood.

2. The wrong concept of "nutrition". First, it must be understood that there is an essential difference between growing orchids and growing vegetables, and fertilizers cannot be used randomly. Apart from foliar feeding, the nutrition provided to orchids through base fertilizer is essentially providing a superior, nutrient-rich micro-environment for the orchid fungi, rather than acting directly on the root system.

Orchids are plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions, and beneficial orchid fungi are also microorganisms that prefer slightly acidic conditions and oxygen. Harmful bacteria are anaerobic bacteria that prefer alkaline substrates. We should try to use slightly acidic potting media for cultivation, such as: Yunnan red soil, red willow bark, pine needles, holly oak leaves, oriental oak bark, etc., and learn to water properly, because water can bring fresh air (oxygen) into the potting medium. Only then can orchids be grown beautifully.

Key management points for Yunnan ear-leaf mixed medium: In the successful management experience of cultivating orchids in Yunnan, heavy-water management is the key. So-called heavy-water management means watering frequently. The benefit of frequent watering is that it can bring fresh air into the potting medium. Beneficial orchid fungi are aerobic bacteria, while harmful pathogens are all anaerobic bacteria. Frequent watering can improve the overall permeability of the potting medium. When there are many aerobic bacteria in the potting medium, orchids will naturally grow well.

Regarding the correct method of watering: watering before going to sleep at night is the most correct method. At night, the temperature is low and there is no sunlight, so water will not produce a "light-heat effect" with light and heat (high temperature). Without the harm of the light-heat effect, orchids will naturally be healthy and will not get sick. Watering needs to be done twice, with an interval of 10-20 minutes before watering again, for it to count as thorough watering. Orchids basically grow in the first half of the night. If watered thoroughly at this time, orchids will grow very quickly!

Watering management: when the temperature is high, water frequently; when the temperature is low, water at intervals of a few days. Watering frequency should be linked to temperature. At 15°C--20°C, water thoroughly once every 3-4 days; at 20°C--25°C, water once every other day; above 25°C, water thoroughly every night.

Finally, there is another key point: after watering thoroughly at night, ventilation must be strengthened. Try to open the windows for airflow, and be sure to blow dry the water in the heart of the seedlings, since daytime temperatures are high. Do not spray water randomly onto the orchids.