Simple Management Methods for Chinese Orchids (Part One): Easily Grow Orchids Well

Temperature According to daily observation, 20-30°C is most favorable for the robust growth of Chinese orchids; at 32-34°C they grow faster, but the leaves tend to become leggy and thin; below 15°C, and above 35°C,orchidsgrowth is inhibited. Humidity. A relative humidity between 80% and 90% is suitable for the sprouting and growth of Chinese orchids. When the relative humidity is too high, diseases easily arise; when too low, growth is slow. Temperature and humidity are very closely related. Under suitable light conditions, if both temperature and humidity are suitable, even without fertilizing, orchid buds will continuously sprout and orchid leaves will grow rapidly. Therefore, various methods should be adopted at all times to regulate temperature and humidity (such as using plastic film in winter to retain heat and moisture, and sprinkling water in summer to lower temperature and increase humidity, etc.). Ventilation With a gentle breeze blowing through the orchid shed and orchid leaves lightly swaying, it not only appears full of vitality, but can also reducepests and diseases. Therefore, in different seasons, fans can be used and windows opened to achieve the effect of ventilation. Watering Water is the source of life, and Chinese orchids are no exception. Watering methods differ from person to person. Some people water every day, even several times a day. With this method, if the growing medium is loose and drains well, perhapsorchidsgrow faster; if the growing medium is compact and retains water, root rot often occurs. Moreover, watering too frequently not only wastes money and resources, but also exhausts people. The watering method I use is very special, namely very long intervals. When the temperature is not high, I generally water only once every half a month; in the hot summer and autumn, once a week. When I do not water, I do not water at all; when I water, I soak thoroughly, watering until clear water continuously flows out from the bottom of the pot, which helps flush out waste gases, residual acids, bacteria and unclean matter from the pot. After watering, pay attention to sprinkling water on the leaf surface in normal times; in summer and autumn, generally once in the morning and once in the evening; in winter and spring, depending on the weather, either once a day or once every several days. I have used this watering method for a long time (and recommended it to other orchid growers), and have achieved good results, with not only robust and well-developed root systems, but also a great saving of labor. One point should be noted: in summer and autumn, water or sprinkle in the morning, which can serve the orchid plants' transpiration under the scorching sun; in winter and spring, it should be done at noon when the sun is warm, which is beneficial to the health of the orchid plants. Excerpted from "OrchidTreasury" Macao, China Feng Gangyi