A Detailed Guide to Hydroponic Cultivation and Care of Cymbidium goeringii
How to grow and care for Cymbidium goeringii hydroponically?
Cymbidium goeringii (photo), also known as Duolan and Pudilan, is the species with the longest cultivation history among Chinese orchids and is deeply loved by people. Cymbidium goeringii is one of China's famous flowers and has high indoor ornamental value. When in bloom it gives off an elegant fragrance and is an excellent choice for decorating a room. Its roots, leaves and flowers can all be used as medicine.
1. Hydroponic method
Hydroponic Cymbidium goeringii uses water as the medium and nutrient solution instead of soil, a new type of cultivation method that is simple and easy to learn.
(1) Choose a dedicated hydroponic flower pot or a brown wide-mouthed bottle. For hydroponic Cymbidium goeringii, use a dedicated hydroponic pot with no hole at the bottom and a double-layer inner and outer mesh basket design. The outer pot holds the culture solution, and the inner pot is a square grid mesh; the ribs between the mesh holes are the fixtures that support the pseudobulbs and hold the orchid plant, such as gravel or sponge. When transplanting the orchid plant, pull it up with its roots, remove old roots, rotten roots, decayed roots and excess roots, then rinse the roots clean with clear water.
(2) Disinfect once before placing in water. Immerse the whole plant in a potassium permanganate solution at a concentration of 100 mg/I for 10-15 min, then take it out and rinse off the potassium permanganate solution with clear water.
(3) Divide the roots into 2-3 groups and insert them into 2-3 mesh holes. Plant into the hydroponic pot as shown in the picture, so that the pseudobulbs press closely against the cross-shaped ribs in the center between the mesh holes.
(4) Use one hand to hold the orchid plant upright, and with the other hand place cleaned stones of 3cmX 5cm specifications around the plant to fill the inner mesh, shaking slightly, and the orchid plant will be fixed in the center of the inner mesh. Rinse once more with clear water to clean the fixing, fill the outer pot with clear water, and add orchid culture solution to the water [Jishan Huayao].
2. Care guide
(1) Light and temperature. Cymbidium goeringii likes semi-shade and semi-sun and an environment with scattered light. The suitable growth temperature is 20-30°C. Immerse the plant in 1% potassium permanganate solution for 10-15min, then rinse with clear water. Divide the plants to be used for hydroponics into equal portions at random, place them in clear water to recover for about 1 week, and after acclimation, carry out nutrient solution culture.
(2) Watering. Cymbidium goeringii is suitable for growing in an environment with air humidity of 70%-90%. If the air is too dry, the orchid will grow poorly, with small, thin and lusterless leaves. Humidity can be increased by watering. Rainwater is best, or tap water can be used, left to stand for 1-2 days until the chlorine has evaporated before use.