A detailed explanation of orchid growth habits: understanding these is essential to growing orchids well

OrchidsThe most important ecological habits are the following four points. Prefer cool shade Orchidsgrow for long periods among mountain forests, where lush, dense trees block the intense sunlight. What reachesorchidsis mostly slanting light and diffuse reflected light. This has given orchids their habit of preferring cool shade. Direct strong light is not conducive to theorchid'sgrowth. Tolerant of drought The mountain rocks and slopes whereorchidsgrow drain easily, and the soil dries readily. Rainfall is uneven throughout thefour seasonsand the soil's water content varies greatly; in the dry season with little rain, the soil tends to experience prolonged drought. To adapt to such environmental conditions, the structures of the various parts of the orchid plant also show drought-tolerant features suited to them, such as pseudobulbs and roots being able to store water, pseudobulbs and leaves having a thicker cuticle, and aerial roots being able to absorb water from the air, all of which are enough to cope with the threat of drought. Soil that is too wet is not suitable fororchidgrowth. On the other hand, orchids require relatively high air humidity, which is also because orchids have long grown in the humid air of mountain forests. Likes ventilation In the mountains where orchids are produced, valley winds swirl, and orchid leaves sway in the wind, so that the air around the orchid leaves constantly remains fresh, which is good for photosynthesis and respiration. If the site is closed off and the air does not circulate, it is not conducive to orchid growth and also makes them prone topests and diseases. The underground roots also require good aeration, so the soil should be loose. Avoids pollution Orchids live deep in the mountains, where the air is fresh, the mountain springs are clean, and the environment is quiet; they absolutely must avoid a polluted environment, otherwise growth will be poor. Under artificialcultivationconditions, air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and noise caused by harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and dust are important reasons for poor orchid growth. (Lin Qingde, Mu Wei)