How to Use Jiuequ (Fermentation Starter) in Orchid Cultivation

Jiuequ: a starter used for brewing alcohol, also known as jiumu; also called jiuyao: a starter used for brewing yellow rice wine or glutinous rice wine. Since the article "Good Results from Mixing 'Zhixiang' and 'Active Soil'" was published, I have received many inquiry calls from orchid enthusiasts. They all expressed strong interest, and putting it into practice has become inevitable. Among these inquiry calls, one from an orchid enthusiast was very special. He discussed with me "AboutOrchidCultivationand the Role of Supplementary Fertilizers." A long-distance call lasting nearly 1 hour enlightened me greatly and benefited me enormously, making me truly appreciate the feeling that "a conversation with you is worth reading for ten years." Without first obtaining this orchid enthusiast's consent, I cannot disclose his name, but his practical experience can be published for the broad community of orchid enthusiasts to discuss and learn from together. Here is an excerpt of part of it, "About the Application of 'Jiuequ' inOrchidCultivation": Since Taiwan, China orchid enthusiast Amiao promoted "Active Soil," he managed to obtain some and put it into trial use onApplications: Since Taiwan, China orchid enthusiast A-Miao promoted "active soil", he managed to obtain some and put it into trial use inorchids. While using it, he carried out exploratory research on "Active Soil." He placed "Active Soil" under a high-power microscope for observation. After observing, he had a slight realization and had a sudden inspiration: how could this "Active Soil" be so similar in fungal composition to the "Jiuequ" used for brewing rice wine (before using "Active Soil," he had already come into contact with "Jiuequ" while brewing rice wine and had studied its fungal components)? So he was so excited that he could hardly sleep. After purchasing "Jiuequ," he immediately conducted a grouped experiment. One group used "Active Soil," while the other group used "Jiuequ." The application amount was the same, the number of pots was the same, the fertilizer and water management was the same, and the strength of the plants was also about the same. The two experimental groups respectively achieved the samecultivationeffect. He once again took out the fungal bodies from the two groups of substrate and placed them under a high-power microscope for observation, and they were still exactly the same mycelium. Thus he felt reassured and began "large-scale" use of "Jiuequ" in orchid cultivation. In this phone call, he stated his idea: "'Zhixiang' and 'Active Soil' work so well when mixed; then, given that microscopic observation and subsequent trial cultivation have so far shown that 'Jiuequ' and 'Active Soil' achieve the same effect, can 'Jiuequ' and 'Zhixiang' be mixed for use? Theoretically, after joint analysis, we reached a unanimous consensus: they absolutely can be mixed for use and can achieve the same effect. If so, it will save orchid enthusiasts a considerable expense (specifically referring to the cost of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used during orchid cultivation). Expensive purchases of 'Active Soil' will turn into spending very little money to purchase 'Jiuequ' with the same effect. It can be said that 'excellent quality at a low price' is fully embodied here. This will bring a certain negative impact (market shock) to "Active Soil." Here, on behalf of this orchid enthusiast, I express deep apologies to the developers and promoters of "Active Soil" and say: Sorry! At the same time, may understanding prevail forever! Let a common goal be realized: "Let the orchids of all orchid enthusiasts everywhere grow better!" Note: Orchid enthusiasts who are interested may as well give it a try. Please seize this golden growing season! Let us join hands together, discuss together! Learn together! Progress together! (Wan Yunkun)