Key Points for Orchid Care in Shanghai in November

November Orchid Care Tips for Shanghai After entering November, the Shanghai area enters "little Indian summer" weather, with the highest temperature above 20°C, the lowest below 10°C, and an average temperature of around 13-15°C. At this time, cold and warm air masses confront each other, there is more rain, the air is humid, and the temperature fluctuates considerably. In the second half of the month, cold air gradually gains the upper hand, and temperature drops of around 10°C are common. Therefore, relatively speaking, orchid care this month is easier, with the focus on hardening the plants and repotting. 1. Hardening the Plants To prepare for the harsh winter ahead, this month you shouldorchidsgradually harden the plants - controllingorchidgrowth so that theorchidsbecome mature and toughened. Specifically, you can start from the following three aspects: 1. Withholding water. This month, the growth oforchid plantswill gradually slow down as temperatures drop. When wateringthe orchids, you should also gradually lengthen the interval between waterings. Especially in the second half of the month (including early December), you should withhold water, that is, you should water but do not, deliberately letting the potting medium dry out for three to five days before watering thoroughly. Watering is best done in the morning. 2. Increasing light. This month temperatures are not high, and orchids no longer need shading. If conditions permit, give the orchids full sunlight; if not, you should still find ways to increase light for the orchids. With ample light,orchid plantsare healthy; in particular, sunlight can raise the temperature, which can promote root growth and the formation of dormant buds for overwintering. 3. Avoid nitrogen. This month orchids can still be fertilized, but potassium and phosphorus fertilizers should be the main ones, and nitrogen fertilizer should be strictly avoided. The application method can still combine root watering and foliar spraying, and the timing should preferably be morning and evening. For root watering, whether to flush with water afterward can be decided according to the concentration applied. Since orchid growth is slow this month, the interval between fertilizations should also be correspondingly lengthened, depending specifically on the nutrient content of the potting medium used. 2. Repotting This month orchid growth slows down and the temperature is suitable, so it is a great time for repotting orchids, but note the following points. 1. Repotting here refers to orchids that have not been repotted for many years. If they have been potted within the past two or three years, are growing normally, and the pot still has enough space, then repotting is not needed. 2. If there are flower buds and you want to enjoy theflowersnext spring, it is not suitable to repot now; you can repot after flowering next year. 3. The potting medium removed during repotting should be discarded as much as possible. If it is to be reused, it must be washed clean and sterilized by high-temperature steaming before use. 4. Whether because there are too many shoots or because you are dividing them to produce more shoots, this can all be done together with repotting. It is best to keep four or five shoots connected together to facilitate rejuvenation; do not divide them too singly. 5. For management after repotting, there is a saying in orchid circles that you should not water for three days, not fertilize for three months, and not repot for three years. I think this can be handled flexibly according to the condition of the orchids and potting medium and your own management habits. 3. Other Matters 1.Pest and diseasecontrol: This month there are relatively fewpests and diseases. To follow the principle of prevention first, you can spray the leaves with medication once or twice. At the same time, to prevent overwintering fungi and insects, you can apply a sterilization and insecticide treatment once at the roots. 2. This month the temperature changes considerably. If strong cold air arrives, the temperature often drops by more than 10°C, so attention should be paid to keeping warm and blocking wind. 3. Householdorchid growingin Shanghai is generally mainly indoors. Ifgrowing orchidsoutdoors, then starting in the second half of this month they should be moved indoors to prepare for winter. 4. This month orchids must not be exposed to rain, and foliar water spraying should also be reduced to prevent orchid leaves from suffering from black spot disease. -- Finished on November 10, 2005