Grow orchids with this tree, every part is a treasure and they thrive
When growing orchids, the important thing is to grow the roots first. If the roots are not grown well, let alone blooming, whether they can even survive is a question, and even if they survive, blooming later is also a problem. So today, Guliang wants to introduce a kind of tree to everyone. Every part of this tree is a "treasure," and when used to grow orchids, they thrive.
Perhaps you can already tell something from the pictures. That's right, this tree is the "pine tree." Why is it said that every part of the pine tree is a "treasure"? And why can it be used to grow orchids? Let's take a look together.
1. Pine cones as a drainage layer work well
Pine cones are familiar to everyone and have many uses, but pine cones also have a very important use, which is that they can be used to grow orchids. First of all, the pine oil and pine resin in pine cones have excellent antibacterial and disinfecting properties, and pine cones have good water retention and breathability. After fermentation, pine cones are an excellent organic fertilizer.
Growers flatten pine cones with a hammer and use them as a drainage layer, which can enhance the water retention and breathability of the pot and also effectively disinfect and prevent root rot. After crushing pine cones, ferment them for one to two months, then mix them into the growing medium to increase its breathability and nutrients. Alternatively, crushed pine cones can be mixed directly into the growing medium to adjust its pH, though it is best to use naturally decomposed pine cones, and the amount should not be too much.
2. Pine needles for cultivation, highly breathable
Pine needles are the leaves of the pine tree. After fermentation, when used as a growing medium, they can enhance the permeability of the medium. The pine resin and pine oil in them also have excellent antibacterial and anti-rot effects. Moreover, using pine needles as a growing medium can make the entire pot lighter, making it easier for elderly people who grow orchids at home to move the pots, which is also a great advantage.
Generally, pine needles must be fermented before use. If used directly, during fermentation the soil acidity will increase, making orchids prone to root problems. Moreover, some bacteria carried by pine needles may also infect the roots. So pine needles must first be disinfected at high temperature, then sealed in bags and fermented for one to two months, after which they can be mixed into orchid-specific soil.
3. Pine bark
Pine bark is also a great tool for growing orchids. After fermentation, pine bark used to grow orchids can also effectively prevent pests and diseases. Moreover, pine bark has excellent permeability and good elasticity, and contains many tiny pores, so subsequent management is also very convenient. When topdressing, you can use orchid organic liquid fertilizer diluted 1000 times with water, put it in a spray bottle and spray-water, and the microorganisms in the liquid fertilizer will more effectively help decompose the growing medium in the micropores, so if you have pine bark, be sure to make good use of it.
When using pine bark, it must be well fermented. You can chop the pine bark and boil it for two hours, then bag it and ferment it for one year, after which it can be mixed into the growing medium. However, pine bark that has naturally fermented in the wild (dry pine bark that can be crushed into powder) can be used directly. In addition, when growing orchids with pine bark, the watering note is that you must water thoroughly only when completely dry, and never water only halfway.
Alright, the above are the three great "magic tools" from the pine tree. Used to grow orchids, they prevent root rot and promote blooming. The results are truly great. Have you all learned them?