Selection and Creation of an Orchid Growing Environment

Becauseorchidsdiffer in species, theircultivationmethods also vary; moreover, since the origins, ecology and habits of the variousorchidsdiffer, during the growing process one should create conditions as similar as possible to their original natural environment. So that the broad community oforchid-growingenthusiasts can have an overall concept of how to groworchidswell, we introduce the general characteristics, cultivation and management of several traditional major orchidFloraltypes. Orchid-growingsite: The original environment of terrestrial orchids is among mountain forests and secluded valleys, with high, airy terrain, shade from trees on all sides, forming a humid microclimate with small temperature differences and clean air. In cities, places with high walls and deep courtyards or open areas such as patios are relatively idealorchid-growingsites. Orchids planted in the ground or grown in pots should face southeast, so that they receive the morning sun early, are shaded by reed blinds when the sun is directly overhead at noon, and are blocked by high walls when the sun sets in the west. When choosing an orchid-growing site, pay attention to receiving dew, avoiding scorching sun, allowing ventilation and avoiding smoke. Open-groundcultivation: ① Growing orchids in tree shade: using the sparse shade in front of a house, in a wall corner or among the rock crevices of a garden rockery, plant them directly in the ground, but the original poor, thin clay must be dug out and replaced with loose, fertile humus soil or good garden soil. When arranging open-ground orchid growing, besides considering a quiet, secluded layout, the habits of each orchidFloraltype, such asCymbidium goeringiipreferring partial shade,Cymbidium faberisuitable for slightly more sun, and autumn orchids,Cymbidium kanran, New Year orchids and others not tolerating freezing, must all be reasonably arranged according to the local climate and growing environment, otherwise all previous efforts will be wasted. ② Pot cultivation of orchids: potted orchids should preferably not be placed directly on the ground, otherwise they are easily troubled by insect pests and overgrown weeds; especially when the summer sun is scorching, the orchid pots should be placed on an orchid bench made of wood or cement boards, to facilitate air convection, continuously supply fresh air, strengthen their metabolic functions, promote the accumulation of nutrients and conversion of energy in the orchids, and make the orchids grow robustly. Indoor cultivation: The orchid room is mainly used for terrestrial orchids to overwinter. Because the origins and species of orchids differ, their habits also differ, so the time of bringing them indoors and the room temperature required during overwintering also differ. For terrestrial orchids, as long as the temperature is generally not lower than 7-8°C, most can be cultivated in the openCultivation. In the process of managing terrestrial orchids indoors for the winter, special attention must be paid to temperature and humidity. Generally speaking, the room temperature should be kept above 7-8°C, and ideally should be kept at 1O-15°C. During indoor orchid growing, especially in severe cold seasons, special attention must be paid to the dryness and moisture of the pots ofFloralorchids. When growing orchids indoors, the pottedorchid plantsand the Selaginella uncinata covering the pot surface must always remain as lush and verdant as they are outdoors; only this is beneficial to growth. Orchid room: The orchid room is generally only used for terrestrial orchids to pass the winter and keep out the cold; in addition, it can also be used as an exhibition room for displaying famous varieties during the flowering period. Terrestrial orchids do not have high temperature requirements; under normal circumstances, a room temperature of about 1O°C is sufficient. ① The orchid room should be chosen in a high, dry, ventilated and sunny location, ideally facing southeast; on the north side behind the room, many trees should be planted or there should be a high wall, so as to block the piercing north wind. ② Orchid rooms can be divided into 3 types: ordinary tiled houses, glass greenhouses, and simple single-slope ground boxes against a wall. ③ During the coldest days of winter, when the temperature is too low, certain heating facilities should be provided to ensure the normal growth of orchids. (Lin Qingde, Mu Wei)