Detailed Explanation of Management Methods and Techniques for Orchid Pot Surfaces

In southern China, for pottedCymbidium ensifolium、Cymbidium sinenseand otherorchids, in order to protect the firmness and appearance of various pot surfaces and prevent soil from being washed away by watering, most people like to spread Selaginella uncinata or Juniperus chinensis 'Procumbens' on the pot surface. When these two plants cannot be found, moss can also be used as a covering. Cymbidium goeringii、Cymbidium faberiAfter potting, a layer of Selaginella uncinata (Selaginella tamariscina) is planted on the pot surface to protect the potting soil from being damaged by rain; to prevent mud from splashing onto the leaves; to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the orchid pot; to maintain a certain humidity in the potting soil; and to avoid high temperatures burning the pseudobulbs and root system. However, spreading Selaginella uncinata on the pot surface also presents a management issue. Selaginella uncinata grows very rapidly and must be trimmed twice each year. The first time is in April and May, using scissors to cut off the spreading portions along the pot rim at the water groove. Then use fingers to gently press down the Selaginella uncinata layer on the pot surface, and following the height of the flat fingers, gradually trim it neatly along the curvature of the pot surface; the second time, after the Beginning of Autumn, first cut off the Selaginella uncinata overflowing the pot rim as described above, then use several fingers of one hand to press down the Selaginella uncinata layer, while the other hand gently twists the surface layer of the leaf clusters and removes them in an outward direction, making the leaf layer sparse and thin. Everything in the water groove is completely cleared. Some people, whencultivatingCymbidium orchids or otherorchids, use small black, brown or grayish-white stones the size of beans to cover the pot surface, but these stones are not as good or as attractive as Selaginella uncinata for regulating the temperature, humidity and air permeability of the pot surface, and stones can only be laid on flat pot surfaces. As for whether they are suitable for the pot surfaces of Chinese cymbidium and other orchids, this still awaits practical verification. In the north, the climate is dry, and after laying, it is difficult to judge the dryness and moisture of the potting soil, and the pot surface plants are not easy to keep alive, so this method is not suitable. (Lin Qingde, Mu Wei)