Sunshine and rain nourish the seedlings as they grow strong

　　Orchidsare semi-shade plants. They like light but need diffused light. Except in winter, when direct sunlight is acceptable (though shade is still needed at midday when it is too intense) to promote growth, at all other times moderate shading is required. Shade nets should be hung at a slant to allow rain to drain away.Cymbidium goeringiineeds only 2 hours of light per day,Cymbidium faberineeds a bit longer. In summer, take care to avoid the strong light at midday and before sunset, the reflected light from walls, and the hot air given off around them after thunderstorms. In the south, as long as there is no sustained low temperature (below -5°C),Cymbidium goeringiican overwinter outdoors. In an open, exposed spot (with shade netting added) they return to nature and receive rain and dew (except during continuous heavy rain, which they should be sheltered from), washing dust off the leaves. The leaves become green, fine-textured and glossy, and there are fewer diseases. Rain and dew are just as important as sunlight. There is a saying: hang the net to expose them to diffused light, let them take in the essence under bright skies, use granular medium for good drainage, and let rain and dew nurture strong seedlings. Several of my pots of Tiehesu also, after a spell of rain in mid-August last year, put out flower buds like bamboo shoots after rain. It is the same every year: fragrant flowers and lush leaves, enjoying both the blooms and the foliage.