Why are wild orchids dug from the mountains easy to keep alive but hard to bloom?

Wild orchids dug from the mountains are what everyone calls "down-mountain orchids" (xia shan lan). Down-mountain orchids are a type of orchid with great collectible value. However, the method of growing down-mountain orchids is rather particular. If the cultivation method is wrong, then of course they will not bloom. Here we will tell you how to grow down-mountain orchids well.

To grow down-mountain orchids, you must first consider their habits of growing in the wild. Down-mountain orchids originally grow in high-mountain forests in ventilated, high-humidity, shaded environments, so the planting site for down-mountain orchids should be chosen ina ventilated area, placed facing the southeast, with the shading level generally controlled at above 80%, so that you can grow down-mountain orchids of relatively high quality.

Here are a few key care points:

1. Fertilizer and water management

Since down-mountain orchids are dug up from the mountains, their root systems will be somewhat damaged and need time to recover, sonewly planted down-mountain orchids do not need fertilizing. From April to June, when the roots are seen to be growing relatively well, you can gradually begin to fertilize, but it must be a light fertilizer. If the roots are still relatively poor, then fertilize only after a year. During the root recovery period, you can spray a little light foliar fertilizer, and only after the root system is fully developed can you water with fertilizer at the roots. The general recommendation is to apply root fertilizer only after a year.

2. Pay attention to pest control and medication.

Down-mountain orchids often suffer from pests and diseases, the most common being scale insects, so before planting they should be carefully washed, disinfected and dewormed. When there are many insects, chemical treatment can be used. When there are few, you can use the juice of mashed garlic with a little rice vinegar, dip a cloth in it and wipe the orchid leaves.

3. Light must be appropriate.

Although orchids are shade-loving flowers, that does not mean they do not need light; they just avoid direct strong light and prolonged light exposure. So relatively strong orchid plants can be given appropriate scattered light 15 days after planting, while weaker ones need about a month. Planting them in a south-facing spot with a semi-shaded environment is most suitable.

4. Ventilation

This is also a relatively important point. Orchids growing on the mountain can constantly breathe fresh air, so down-mountain orchid cultivation also requires ventilation. But avoid strong winds, to prevent the leaves from losing water.

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