How Are Orchids Planted? Detailed Explanation of Key Planting Techniques

1. Choosing a Pot and Potting Soil

Planting Cymbidium goeringii is best done in late autumn. Before planting, it is best to use a new clay pot that has been soaked in clean water for several hours; if using a purple clay pot or plastic pot, pay attention to drainage. The size of the pot should be such that the roots can spread out inside it. The most ideal potting soil is orchid mud, or use a mixture of half leaf mold (or humus soil) and half sandy loam, mixed evenly. Never use alkaline soil.

First, place pot shards over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot (preferably 3 drainage holes), then add crushed stones, furnace slag and the like, making up about 1/5 of the pot; spread a layer of coarse sand on top, and then add the potting soil. It is best to place the orchid seedling into the pot, straighten the roots, and let them spread out naturally; when the soil is filled to half, gently lift the orchid seedling while shaking the pot, so that the orchid roots and potting soil are tightly combined; continue filling soil up to the rim of the pot, and press firmly. Leave about 3 cm of rim space for fertilizing and watering. After potting, water thoroughly and place in a shaded spot. In early spring and winter, keep it indoors for care; the rest of the time, place it under a shade shed. In summer, shade from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in summer, the shading degree for Cymbidium goeringii should reach about 90%. In spring and autumn, about 70%-80% is sufficient.

3. Watering

Orchid leaves have a relatively thick cuticle and sunken stomata, so they are fairly drought-tolerant and therefore do not need much water; it is best to always keep the orchid soil "seven parts dry and three parts moist." Under normal circumstances, water once every 2-3 days in spring; after flowering, keep the potting soil slightly drier, and after April keep the potting soil slightly moist; in summer, when temperatures are high, water once a day; in autumn, water when dry and let it dry between waterings; in winter, water sparingly. During the bud stage of Cymbidium goeringii, keep it moist, but not overly wet. In dry and hot seasons, spray the ground around the flowerpot in the evening to increase air humidity.

4. Fertilizing

Orchids should not be given heavy fertilizer. Newly planted orchids should not be fertilized in the first year; only after 1-2 years of cultivation, when the new roots are growing vigorously, can fertilizer be applied. Generally, from April until the beginning of autumn, apply a fully decomposed, diluted cake fertilizer solution once every 15-20 days. During the intense heat of midsummer, stop fertilizing. The best time to fertilize is in the evening. When fertilizing, avoid getting the liquid fertilizer on the leaves. 6. Bud Thinning After buds appear, it is best to keep one flower bud that is the best developed and has the highest ornamental value, and remove all the rest, so that the flower can be large and beautifully colored. About 10-14 days after Cymbidium goeringii blooms, the flower can be cut off together with the scape; do not wait until the flower naturally falls before cutting, so as to reduce nutrient consumption and benefit flowering the following year. I publish orchid knowledge and pictures every day, taking you to understand orchids in depth and teaching you how to easily grow orchids well. If there is anything you do not understand about orchids, you can ask me at any time or leave a message below. If my knowledge has helped you, I hope you can give me a like or share it to help more people!