New to growing orchids and not sure what to do? Follow these steps to reduce the chance of mistakes

Many novice orchid growers complain that orchids are too hard to grow and that no matter what they do, they just can't grow them well. Actually, if we simply break down their growth process and observe and understand them step by step, you'll find it's not that difficult.

Step one, Haoshe Farmer believes that to grow orchids you must first grow the roots well. How can a grass without roots thrive? If you use the right potting medium, this step is basically no problem, though of course you can't water too much, or the roots will rot.

Step two, the budding stage. Seeing your orchid send up new shoots is a joy, but if you give it a spoonful of fertilizer while you're happy, then you're done for. New shoots at this time are most afraid of fertilizer, so absolutely don't do it. Also, don't repot for no reason, as it easily damages the shoots.

Step three, when the new shoots have grown to over ten cm, if you feel the plant looks thin and weak, you can apply a little dilute fertilizer. Generally in the first half of the year (before the Start of Autumn), Haoshe Farmer recommends a slightly higher proportion of nitrogen fertilizer, because nitrogen fertilizer promotes leaf growth and can make the orchid plants look better.

Step four, the normal management period. Orchids need all three key elements: water, fertilizer and sunlight. You should also pay attention to disease and pest prevention, spraying fungicides and insecticides regularly, and combine foliar feeding with root feeding when fertilizing. After the Start of Autumn, reduce nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, increase light duration, and control water to encourage flower buds. Haoshe Farmer likes to let orchids catch the autumn dew, which not only increases humidity but also creates the temperature difference orchids need.

Step five, bud stage care. At this time, unless the weather suddenly turns severe, do not move the orchid pot's position. It has already adapted to one spot, and suddenly changing the environment can easily cause the buds to abort. Enough energy has already been stored in the earlier stage, so no more fertilizer is needed during this period. You can add a layer of clean moss on top to ensure humidity and temperature.

Step six, during the flowering period there should be two hours of sunlight every day, so the flowers will be more fragrant. If kept indoors all the time, orchids tend to fade early. Generally, 12 days after a Chinese Cymbidium orchid blooms, or 18 days for a Faber's Cymbidium, I will cut off the flower stalk and not let it have a chance to set seed, which is better for the orchid plant's growth the following year.

What do you think, fellow growers? Perhaps every place is different and every orchid variety is different, so there are still differences in management. You're welcome to share your experiences and insights.