Some experience in cultivating and caring for wild-collected Cymbidium kanran - not to be missed by orchid growers in Zhejiang

Some experience in cultivating and caring for wild-collected Cymbidium kanran (orchid growers in Zhejiang must not miss it) Qingtian in southern Zhejiang has green mountains and clear waters, and produces outstanding people. Along the Ou River, the mountains are towering and range upon range, the four seasons are distinct, and the climate is pleasant. Orchid resources are very rich, especially Cymbidium kanran. Some people also call Cymbidium kanran winter orchid or Oulan. In Wanshan Township, northwest of Qingtian County, along the tributary basin of the Ou River. On the steep slopes of Jianfeng Mountain at an altitude of about 400 m to 600 m, among broad-leaved forests where mountain streams flow and mist fills the air, different varieties of Cymbidium kanran were found. There are green-stemmed green-flowered, purple-stemmed purple-flowered, summer Cymbidium kanran, and others. At the original habitat where I introduced Cymbidium kanran, I roughly carried out seasonal temperature and humidity measurement and recording. In winter, there is snow on the mountain peaks, yet the temperature in the broad-leaved forest is still 8°C; in summer during high-temperature weather, the temperature under the broad-leaved forest is still 28°C, and there is a gentle breeze and fresh air. The relative humidity is 75%. Such a natural environment is indeed warm in winter and cool in summer, thus forming the growth characteristic of Cymbidium kanran that it fears heat and cold. In early October 2001, I introduced wild-collected plants and divided them into two groups for cultivation. For one group, the growing medium used was small and medium-grade Xiantu, with medium-grade granular Xiantu as the bottom layer, and from one third of the way up, small-grade granules were used to cultivate upward until about one cm above the pseudobulb. Water thoroughly to settle the plants. Place in an open-air spot without direct sunlight for care. After the winter solstice, when the cold wave arrives and the temperature drops to 5°C. Below 5°C, Cymbidium kanran will be damaged by freezing, so it must be moved indoors to overwinter. At this time, water according to the dryness and wetness of the potting soil, and at noon mist the leaf surface to increase humidity. After the following year's spring equinox, move it out of the room and place it in the open air for normal care (more than 70% shading is required). In different seasons, Cymbidium kanran has different water requirements. From April to June, in the rainy season, as long as the potting soil does not accumulate water, the roots will not be damaged. In summer, when the temperature is high, the plant transpires heavily, so water once every morning (depending on the growing environment). Splash water on the ground around the placed flowerpots. One purpose is to increase humidity and the other is to lower temperature; the maximum temperature should be controlled at about 30°C. Create an artificial growing environment. The survival rate of Cymbidium kanran was 100%, and the growth was good. The root system was thicker, whiter, and more developed than when collected from the wild, and it bloomed every year. For the second group, under the same environment and with the same management method but a different growing medium (leaf mold, mountain soil), the results were different - the plant root system was not developed, the plant grew slowly, the newly sprouted shoots were not robust, and it did not flower. The reason is that from April to June, in the rainy season, the potting soil caked and had poor air permeability. It can be seen that growing Cymbidium kanran requires determining a variety of different care methods according to many factors such as location, environment, and growing medium, so that Cymbidium kanran can grow well. In fact, growing Cymbidium kanran well is not difficult; as long as you master the proper methods, you will grow it full of vitality, with lush leaves and abundant flowers.