Simple Management of Chinese Orchids, Part Two: Easily Grow Orchids Well

Chinese orchids are frugal plants; they can grow normally all year round without any fertilizing, living on plain water and air. This may be because the stomata on orchid roots and leaves absorb some nutrients and trace elements from the air and water. However, with proper fertilizing, the growth of Chinese orchids will be noticeably boosted, such as robust new shoots, glossy green leaves, rapid growth and easy flowering. There are many kinds of fertilizers for Chinese orchids, such as Huabao, Xishuo, Duomu, Zhiquan and so on. The nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace element contents of various fertilizers also differ. Some brands even have different models due to different nutrient effects, such as some suitable for promoting shoots, some for growing leaves, and some for forcing flowers. Here, I will only talk about some orchid fertilizers that are affordable and simple and practical. In the spring sprouting period, you can apply 500 times diluted Lanjunwang as a drench, or spray it on the leaves, or use both drenching and spraying. Lanjunwang is a sprouting agent, but it contains enough nitrogen and has good effects on sprouting, rooting and leaf growth. During the growing period, spray the leaves with 500-1000 times diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate containing enough nitrogen and various trace elements; Lanjunwang can also be used together with it, and the leaves grow fast and strong with good results. In the flower-forcing and stem-strengthening period after the autumn cool, spray the leaves with 500-1000 times diluted pure potassium dihydrogen phosphate containing no other ingredients, which can enlarge the pseudobulbs and promote flowering. There is no hard-and-fast rule for the number of fertilizations. Generally, 2-3 times in the sprouting period, 4-6 times in the growing period, and 2-3 times in the flower-forcing and stem-strengthening period. The standard for fertilizing mainly depends on leaf color and growth vigor. If the leaf color is already green enough and the growth is strong and vigorous, you can stop fertilizing for the time being, or apply additional fertilizer later when needed. If too much fertilizer is applied, it will cause the opposite effect, such as damage to young shoots and tender leaves, fading of leaf variegation, and growing only leaves without flowering. Fertilizing should be done on sunny mornings, which is good for the orchid plant's photosynthesis; after spraying, rinse with water after 4-6 hours (a Lanjunwang drench can be left for 3-5 days), for safety. Excerpted from "OrchidTreasure Book" Macao, China Feng Gangyi