How to Grow Orchids? Master Orchid Growing Methods and Techniques
Do you know how orchids should be grown? What are the growing methods, what should be paid attention to during growing, and how should fertilizer be applied? Let's take a look together.
There are many types of orchids, so it is hard to explain orchid growing clearly in just a few words. However, we can briefly introduce the types of orchids and the basic growing methods. And once you know the natural growing environment of orchids, you can understand how orchids should be treated.
Most orchids are epiphytes. In the primitive rainforest, they attach to tree trunks, so most rely on aerial roots to absorb rainwater and nutrients such as bird droppings. Some orchids also grow in colder high mountains, or on the ground of temperate rainforests. Therefore, you need to know which region your orchid variety comes from, so you can provide a similar environment.
Since most people's homes cannot be like a tropical rainforest, many orchid enthusiasts have a greenhouse specifically for growing orchids, maintaining a high-temperature and humid environment. But there will be things like gauze and screens to shade the light. Some people also turn a room in their home into something like a greenhouse, making it more suitable for orchids and other tropical plants to grow, full of tropical atmosphere. (See photo)
Most orchids are epiphytes, or have aerial roots, so orchids should not be planted in potting soil, but in special orchid growing media, generally Fir Bark, Redwood Fibre, Osmunda fern roots, Sphagnum Moss, dried cocoa beans, volcanic rock, Perlite, etc. The purpose is only to hold the roots in place. You can also put in some clean charcoal, which has a disinfecting effect. Because there is no soil to retain water, the roots will not rot. But never soak orchid roots in water. That will definitely kill them. (The petals had best not touch water, otherwise they will deform and wither early.)
For watering, it is best to use soft water and room-temperature water. So-called soft water includes rainwater, or tap water that has been left to stand for one day. And the pot had best have many holes to drain excess water.
Putting ice cubes on orchids?
Recently I often hear people say that placing ice cubes on the soil surface of potted orchids means that as the ice cubes gradually melt, it is equivalent to constantly watering the orchids. This claim is spreading more and more widely, but it is actually very absurd. Because generally potted orchids are tropical and subtropical plants, and I have repeatedly emphasized that room-temperature water should be used when watering. Using ice cubes is actually slowly murdering the plant.
In fact, most orchids are epiphytic plants, and the best watering method is misting to keep them moist. When watering, you must also ensure good drainage, and absolutely do not let water accumulate in the pot.
To hold the roots in place, some people also grow orchids on tree fern boards, that is, board-like objects made from Tree Fern Fiber, or on wooden stakes, wrapped with Sphagnum Moss, and even fixed with wire. Once the roots have attached, the wire can be removed. Since orchids do not need potting soil, and all growing media are for fixing and retaining moisture, there can be a lot of creativity in terms of pots, as long as they can hold the orchid roots. The attached pictures show various pots and methods for growing orchids.
Most people buy orchids during the flowering period. At this time, orchids do not need much light, and certainly do not need fertilizer. Just water normally. At other times, you can apply a balanced fertilizer. Before the flowering period, if you want to force flowering, you can switch to. But not too much. In winter, fertilizer must be stopped.
Now, you know how orchids should be grown, right? If you want to grow them yourself, then hurry up and get started.