How to grow orchids in the north? A fellow orchid grower shares successful experience on doing these two things well

Most orchids grow in the south, and the climate and environment of the north are a real challenge for growing orchids. Recently, many northern netizens, after reading Haoshe Nongfu's articles and videos, have been asking how to grow orchids well in the north? To this end, Haoshe Nongfu exchanged ideas with some northern orchid growers and gained their insights on growing orchids.

The places where wild orchids grow have two fairly obvious climatic features: a humid environment and four distinct seasons, such as the Jiangnan region where Haoshe Nongfu is located. The north, however, finds it hard to meet the requirements of wild orchids in exactly these two aspects: the climate is dry, and in winter there is extreme cold. Therefore, to grow orchids well in the north, these two problems must first be solved.

When growing orchids in the north, once the temperature rises above zero each year, the orchids should be moved outdoors, or to an open balcony, and it is best if they can be left in the open air to receive the nourishment of dew. In summer, the north is also very hot, and the climate is very dry. The orchid grower places several open-mouthed water bottles on the balcony and lets them evaporate water on their own to increase air humidity.

When growing orchids on a balcony, it is best to have a variety of plants together. Taller ones (such as the money tree, etc.) can create a small forest environment for the orchids in summer. These woody plants are less demanding about water than orchids, and often when watering these plants, it is also humidifying the environment. Friends who are interested can experience it for themselves: is a balcony with this kind of environment relatively much cooler? Doing this solves the problems of a dry climate and the hot, dry summer wind.

The low temperature that wild orchids can withstand is zero degrees. In Jiangnan, if it is not sustained low humidity, they can withstand minus 6 degrees. Haoshe Nongfu has done experiments on this point. Potted orchids and mountain wild orchids have different low-temperature tolerance points. If potted orchids encounter sustained low temperatures, the moisture in the growing medium will freeze, thereby causing the entire root system to freeze to death. Therefore, northern orchid growers need to move the orchids indoors, or into a closed balcony, when temperatures are below zero.

When orchids are moved indoors, do not forget to place them in a sunny spot, away from radiators and other artificial heating facilities. Orchids need to go through vernalization to produce better flowers. Northern orchid growers do vernalization like this: during the day, place them on a closed balcony to bask in the sun, where the temperature can reach over 20 degrees; at night, close the separating door between the balcony and the bedroom well, reduce the flow of heating, and control the temperature at 5---10 degrees. At first this may be a bit troublesome, but after becoming proficient it becomes easy. After hearing these experiences from orchid growers, Haoshe Nongfu truly admires them.

In summary, the two key points that must be paid attention to when growing orchids in the north are temperature and humidity. Do these two things well, and good orchids can also be grown in the north.