Orchids in summer are not afraid of water; the watering method is what you must master

The old saying "dry orchids, wet chrysanthemums," as interpreted by ordinary orchid growers, has always been correct. Understood today, it means that the area around the orchid root's velamen must not be waterlogged; if the orchid roots take in and absorb excessive water, the aerial roots cannot breathe, causingorchidsto have a disrupted cycle and leading to root rot. Therefore, many orchid enthusiasts, when it comes toorchidwatering, keep summing up their experience; although methods differ, everyone agrees on "dry orchids." So what does "dry" mean? "Dry" does not mean not watering, but watering correctly. Dry orchids also does not mean thatorchidsare afraid of water. In fact, orchids like water, and especially in summer they need more watering. To water more without waterlogging, you must first prepare a good growing medium. Granular medium is best, such as crushed brick, crushed tile, volcanic stone granules, sand-conglomerate granules, and commercially sold Emei Xiantu, Tangji stone, and so on. Because the medium drains well, even when watered 1 to 3 times during the day in midsummer, there will be no waterlogging between the medium particles at night. If orchids are grown outdoors in summer, when the temperature rises around 10 a.m. in midsummer, use a watering can to spray thoroughly over both the plants and the pots, and the temperature will come down accordingly. By 2 p.m., much of the water has evaporated, the medium in the pots begins to warm up, and you can water quickly and thoroughly once again as before. By the time the evening cools, the water in the pots has evaporated and there is no waterlogging left in the pots. If the weather is especially hot, the two waterings in the morning and evening can be moved earlier and later, with one more added at noon, for 3 waterings per day. Watering this way can only benefit orchids, not harm them. If you still feel uneasy, you can also supplement with misting during the absolutely hottest 2 to 3 hours at noon, and thenorchid plantsunder direct outdoor sunlight will be safe. However, winter orchids and Baosui orchids still need 50% black shade netting for shade, and there is no need to hold back on watering. If the tap water used has a pH below 6.5, it can be used directly. It can also be stored in a vat and neutralized with ferrous sulfate or vinegar, but it should be placed in a cool, shaded spot. Summer's high temperatures and ample light favororchid plants'growth, so water is essential fororchid plants. During the day, with ample light and high temperatures, the activity of absorbing from the air and manufacturing nutrients is very active. Supplying enough water can bring the temperature down to an appropriate level, and ample light allows more of the nutrients obtained by the leaves to be sent back to the pseudobulbs and roots. At night, when the water in the pots is gone, the roots and bulbs breathe smoothly, and the air plus the water already absorbed by the roots during the day transport the nutrients sent back by the leaves during the day and the nutrients absorbed by the roots from the medium to all parts of the plant, enabling the plant's metabolism and growth. So watering this way not only keeps orchid plants from going dormant, but also makes orchids grow vigorously. This kind of management in summer with sun cultivation and ample water is especially important for certain orchids from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shanghai that need shaded cultivation and low temperatures for overwintering. Orchids grown in shade and at low temperatures lose light and warmth for long periods, so their accumulated light and warmth are bound to be insufficient; if in summer they still do not seize warmth and sunlight, the orchid plants will remain weak and can never be grown into strong plants. Seizing sunlight and warmth requires plenty of water and fertilizer. With more water use, fertilizer consumption is also greater, so every 3 to 5 days you need to apply liquid fertilizer at 6 to 7 p.m. Based on practice, even during the plum rain season with day-and-night rain, there is no need to worry, since after all there will be a few hours when the rain lets up. During the breaks in the rain, the "dry orchid" requirement can still be met, with no great harm to the orchids. However, when encountering typhoons and violent wind and rain, you must not be careless and should add protection. At the same time, diseased orchids, weak orchids, and newly planted orchids should be appropriately shielded from the sun, and the pots and leaf surfaces should be moistened and misted.