Orchid Watering in Summer Depends on the Growing Medium: An Old-Timer Explains the Charm of "a Ladle of Soup" at Noon

Many orchid beginners feel at a loss once summer arrives. Indeed, watering orchids in summer is a big challenge: water too little, and the orchids grow poorly; water too much, and the roots rot easily. So what should be done? The little gardener knows an old-timer who grows orchids, and he says that to water orchids in summer, you only need to do 2 things well. Come and learn.

1. Growing orchids in summer: the big "misconception" of beginners

When growing orchids in summer, many beginner flower lovers easily fall into a misconception. This misconception comes from hearing "high temperature and high humidity easily cause disease" too many times, so they choose to grow orchids dry. This is a big mistake. We all know that orchids like a somewhat moist environment. If you grow them dry, problems are bound to arise. In fact, "high temperature and high humidity" is only a trigger for root rot; harmful bacteria are the real culprit. Just spray the pot regularly with carbendazim, and never "grow them dry."

2. Growing orchids in summer: water according to the "medium"

The old-timer said that when growing orchids in summer, you have to water according to the growing medium. He has two pots of orchids at home. One pot is grown entirely in granular medium. The little owners should also know that granular medium has excellent water permeability and good air permeability. In addition, he grows it on a terrace where the wind is strong, so he waters it 3 times a day. The other pot of orchids uses 5 parts granular soil and 5 parts fine soil, and only needs watering once a day.

When growing orchids in summer, the first point is to water according to the growing medium. Of course, he also waters only when the potting soil is dry, and he waters thoroughly. He lifts the flower pot with his hand to gauge the weight and knows it is time to water. Beginner orchid growers naturally do not have this skill, so we have to learn slowly. Use a wooden stick, lift with your hand, use a monitor, any method is fine, as long as it suits you.

3. Growing orchids in summer: "a ladle of soup" at noon

As for whether you can water at noon, orchid owners also argue endlessly. The old-timer said: the key to whether to water is still whether the orchid lacks water. Most urban balcony environments are very dry. If you find that the new shoots of the orchid stop growing and the orchid leaves twist and deform, that is a sign that the orchid lacks water. At this time, you should water. After watering, turn on a fan to blow air and ensure ventilation so it is not stuffy.

Some orchid owners will also say, I do not water at noon, and my orchids still grow very well. That is because different varieties have different requirements for environment and moisture. If you grow Cymbidium sinense, which is not drought-tolerant, then at noon you must promptly supplement fertilizer and give it "a ladle of soup"; if you grow Cymbidium faberi or Cymbidium ensifolium, which are more drought-tolerant, then there is no need to risk watering at noon.

Beginner orchid growers, if you feel at a loss about watering when caring for orchids in summer, then you might as well save this article. But you must remember one thing: no matter how you water, ventilation must be ensured. "Ventilation cannot cure all diseases, but without ventilation, problems are bound to appear." Remember that?