How to choose orchids? Master these selection tips

OrchidsThere are generally four ways to buy orchids: ①orchidsbuy at exhibitions; ② buy directly at orchid nurseries that specialize in producingorchids; ③ buy at orchid specialty stores; ④ buy from reputable growers through mail-order catalogs.

The most popularcultivatedtropical orchids include Phalaenopsis, large-floweredCymbidium, Oncidium, Cattleya and Paphiopedilum. Cattleya is luxurious and gorgeous, like a refined young lady; Phalaenopsis is as splendid and moving as a tropical flying butterfly; Paphiopedilum is strange and elegant, with a profound charm. When facing pots of beautiful orchids, you may be dazzled and not know what to do, feeling that every pot is good and every plant is beautiful. So how exactly should you choose orchids?

Choose according to the display location or place If it is for festive occasions, New Year or holiday display, consider the characteristics of the room and the owner's preferences. If the room decoration has a strong modern feel and a luxurious style, choose brightly colored large-flowered Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium; if the room is antique and elegant, choose elegant and fragrant Chinese orchids; if placing on a dining table or desk, choose small plants such as Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Brassia, or single plants of Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Miltonia, etc.; for hobby cultivation in a small growing space but collecting diverse varieties, choose mini orchid varieties within 20 cm in height; for placement at the entrance of the living room, choose larger plants such as large-flowered Cymbidium, Grammatophyllum, Vanda or combined orchid pots. At the same time, note that after the flowering period, orchids kept indoors should be moved immediately to a place where they can grow normally, because orchids are not a disposable plant; with proper care, they can have a fairly long lifespan.

Choose according to cultivation conditions Many orchids'soverwintering temperature needs to be above 10°C, so when cultivating these orchids in cold winter areas, heating facilities must be provided. Therefore, when choosing orchids, first consider whether your cultivation environment can meet the orchids'needs. It is best to consult experts before purchasing and choose orchids suitable for your existing cultivation conditions.

Choose by flower Select according to the flowers produced, especially for Chinese orchid varieties, which should be selected during the flowering period as much as possible so that you can choose the type, flower shape and flower posture according to your preferences. The standard for a good flower is a round and neat flower shape; bright flower color; excellent petal texture; beautiful inflorescence; long flowering period; strong environmental adaptability; good flowering performance and easy to bloom;pests and diseasesstrong resistance. The more orchids meet the above conditions, the more they deserve to be called a "good flower." The scoring standard for tropical orchids is flower shape (30 points) + flower color (30 points) + other characteristics (40 points) = total score (100 points).

Choose by leaves When choosing orchids, do not focus only on the flowers; whether the plant's leaves are fresh green is equally important. However, note that excessively bright flowers and leaves are often sprayed with a leaf gloss agent.

Choose healthy orchid plants An important sign of a healthy orchid plant is looking at the roots. When the roots of epiphytic orchids are in a vigorous stage, they are fresh emerald green; when the roots of Chinese orchids rot, their leaves will show scorched tips. In addition, choose orchid plants that are free of pests and diseases and growing well.

Choose varieties with a clear source It is best to buy improved and hybrid varieties with a clear source, and they must have a label indicating the variety name.

Finally, before buying orchids, if you can consult experienced orchid friends,orchid growingexperts, and explain in detail your preferences, cultivation conditions and purpose for buying orchids, you will often get very good results.

When choosing orchids, take a correct view of flower prices. The level of the flower price cannot be used as the main standard for selection. Because prices are determined by the market, newly released flowers are scarce on the market, so prices will be relatively high; after mass production, the market price will naturally decrease. Therefore, when choosing, mainly see whether it matches your own preferences, purposes, etc.