Seize the Solar Terms and Grow Orchids Well (Repost)

Seize the Solar Terms and GrowOrchids(Repost) Orchidsare closely tied to the solar terms in sprouting, growing, blooming and setting seed. Groworchidsby following the solar terms, and the orchids will thrive. The author shares years of experience ingrowing orchidsaccording to the solar terms with readers. From January to March come the solar terms Minor Cold, Major Cold, Start of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox. During this period,Chinese Cymbidiumflower buds mature. Orchids like warmth but fear dampness, and like dryness but fear aridity, so water a little around the edge of the pot. As the rain moistens them, seedlings and buds sprout; watch for pests and diseases, and fertilize moderately with a light mix, never too concentrated. During this period,Chinese Cymbidiumvarieties bloom, and superior specimens can be selected. As spring shoots emerge, increase the light appropriately and supplement nutrients. Those doing research can collect orchid seed capsules for later use, and divide clumps and repot. From April to June come the solar terms Pure Brightness, Grain Rain, Start of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear and Summer Solstice. This season is hot and humid, so more fertilizer can be applied, but it should be light; pay special attention to preventingpests and diseases. In this season summer cymbidiums, Rabbit-Ear Orchids and others bloom; enjoy the summer orchids and select new varieties. During this period the light begins to intensify, so shade the orchids as they grow and protect the leaf surfaces. Autumn orchid types begin to produce flower buds; be careful that the buds are not too wet, and keep them moist as much as possible to ensure smooth blooming. From July to September come the solar terms Major Heat, Minor Heat, Start of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew and Autumn Equinox, the season with the highest humidity, the highest temperatures and the mostpests and diseasesof the year. In this season, cool the temperature, ventilate, shade, keep the potting soil moist and keep the orchid leaves clean. When autumn orchids bloom, nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to them.Chinese Cymbidiumalso begins to form flower buds, and autumn shoots have already sprouted; be sure to apply foliar fertilizer and extra organic fertilizer to ensure the autumn shoots emerge and grow and to supply the flower buds with sufficient nutrients. During this period, pay special attention to the prevention ofpests and diseases, and carry out pest and disease control frequently. From October to December come the solar terms Cold Dew, Frost's Descent, Start of Winter, Minor Snow, Major Snow and Winter Solstice. The flower buds of Chinese Cymbidium shoot up, so light should be increased appropriately. As the air gradually dries and the temperature gradually drops, keep the pots moist and warm, and spray the leaf surfaces often in the morning and evening. Once the temperature falls to a certain level, the orchids should be moved indoors to prevent cold damage to seedlings and roots; no fertilizer should be applied during this period. Where the frost period is short, the orchids can be given more dry sun to promote the growth of autumn shoots. After orchids enter dormancy, the flower buds elongate; do not repot, do not fertilize, continue pest control, and keep the whole pot at a certain humidity. When orchids are blooming, do not spray water at the end, to prevent the orchid petals from stretching.