Orchid Cultivation Secrets: How to Teach You to Grow Orchids Well

OrchidCultivation: The “Secrets” of Growing Orchids (Reposted)

In mid-May, several orchid-growing friends visited my “small orchid garden” and were full of praise for theorchids'growth and some of my novel practices. "What cultivation secrets do you have? How can you make orchids grow so well?" "None. I just pay a bit more attention than you do in the following aspects."

1. Diligent in learning. First, I strengthened the study of theory, reading more books on orchid cultivation. In particular, I have a special fondness for the two journals published by the China Orchid Association and the China Orchid Society, which are rich in content and practical. Since 1999, I have subscribed every year and read every issue, and I have also organized and applied some good experiences and methods. In addition, I am good at exchanging and learning with orchid-growing friends, absorbing their successful experiences, not letting even the smallest bit go. Over time, this naturally consolidated my cultivation theory.

2. Good at summarizing. In the process of learning and exchanging, I am good at comparing and summarizing, and have explored the simplest methods suited to my own conditions. For example: many orchid books introduce methods for preventing and controlling scale insects, but in the 5th issue of "China Orchids" in 2000, I read Mr. Luo Kangning from Guangdong's article "A Simple Formula for Preventing and Controlling Orchid Scale Insects," and felt that the third method -- spraying the leaf surface with vinegar diluted in water, once every 5 days, with three times as one course of treatment -- was simple and worth adopting. It not only reduced pesticide damage but also satisfied the orchids' preference for acidity. Practice has proven the effect is quite good, so I have kept using it. You see, none of my pots have ever had scale insects. This method is not bad, right?

3. Emphasis on practice. On the basis of learning and summarizing, I constantly explore, build on strengths and avoid weaknesses, and adapt to local conditions in light of my own actual situation, practicing boldly. For example: in the 3rd issue of "Orchids" in 2001, I read Mr. Li Lin from Yunnan's article "A Simple ‘Greenhouse’ Works Well," so I boldly put it into practice and applied it -- that is, the several pots of orchids you see in the garden covered with plastic film. This method is simple and easy to carry out, takes effect quickly, and the flowers do not scorch at the tips.

4. Dare to innovate. On the basis of successful practice, I keep forging ahead and make some new attempts. For example: inspired by articles such as Chen Shuqing from Yunnan's "Orchids Can Also Be Grown Well on High-Rise Balconies" and Mr. Li's "A Simple ‘Greenhouse’ Works Well," and in light of my own conditions, I created this simple ‘greenhouse’ small orchid garden. In the garden, regardless of pot size or number of seedlings, the orchids all grow quite vigorously, not to mention flowering and sprouting...

This is my “secret.” Actually, you have done quite a lot too -- you just have not summarized it.

The above are a few of my practices discussed when exchanging with orchid-growing friends. They are not any clever tricks. If they can give orchid-growing friends some inspiration, that would be even better. I also hope the broad community of orchid-growing friends will offer criticism and corrections.

Address: Baishui No. 1 Middle School, Zhanyi County, Qujing, Yunnan
Postal code: 655035
Telephone: 13087479906