How to Grow Orchids Well? A Detailed Guide to Orchid Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Orchids are epiphytic or terrestrial herbaceous plants, and have a cultivation history of more than one thousand years in China. Chinese people have always regarded orchids as a symbol of purity and elegance, and they are collectively called the “Four Gentlemen” together with “plum, bamboo and chrysanthemum”, with high ornamental value. Let us take a look at the cultivation methods of orchids below!

Orchid Growth Habits

1. Soil: Orchids grow on shaded, ventilated mountain slopes where water does not accumulate, so the cultivation medium should be airy, loose, well-draining and slightly acidic. The most commonly used medium for outdoor cultivation is mud flower soil.

2. Temperature: The optimal growth temperature for orchids is 18-30 degrees Celsius. Below 5 degrees Celsius and above 35 degrees Celsius, growth is slow. The reproductive growth period is 5-18 degrees Celsius.

3. Humidity: Orchids grow well when the relative air humidity is 60-70%. Too dry or too wet conditions easily trigger orchid diseases. Therefore, outdoor cultivation should create a gradual humidity microclimate suitable for orchid growth, and indoors a sprayer and hygrometer should be installed.

4. Light: Orchids prefer shade and fear direct sunlight, but if kept in a hidden place year-round, they will also rarely bloom.

5. Fertilizer: During the vigorous growth period, orchids should be fertilized more; during the dormant period or weak growth period, fertilization may be omitted. Excessive fertilization will burn the roots and leaves and cause irreparable loss.

Orchid Propagation Methods

1. Seed propagation: Orchid seeds are extremely fine, and the seed contains only one incompletely developed embryo, with very low germination capacity. In addition, the seed coat does not easily absorb water, so sowing by conventional methods will not germinate. Therefore, orchid mycorrhiza or artificial culture medium is needed to supply nutrients for germination.

2. Tissue culture: Tissue culture of orchids has been successful, and where conditions permit, this method can be used for propagation.

3. Division propagation

① Division time: It can be done in both spring and autumn, generally once every three years. Any plant with robust growth and dense pseudobulbs can be divided. After division, each clump should retain at least 5 connected pseudobulbs. Before division, watering should be reduced to make the potting soil relatively dry.

② Division method: When potting after division, first cover the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with broken tile pieces, then spread coarse gravel to occupy 1/5-1/4 of the pot depth, then add coarse-grained soil and a small amount of fine soil, and then plant with sandy loam rich in humus. The planting depth should be such that the pseudobulbs are just buried in the soil. Leave a 2 cm rim at the edge of the pot, and cover the surface with Selaginella uncinata or fine gravel.

③ Post-planting care: After planting is completed, water thoroughly, place in a shaded place for 10-15 days, keep the soil moist, gradually reduce watering, and carry out normal maintenance.

Orchid Cultivation Methods

1. Location: The place where orchids are placed is very important and will directly affect the growth and development of orchids. Generally, in spring, summer and autumn, they are placed outdoors (in summer, placed in a shaded outdoor spot), and in winter they are placed indoors. Outdoors, it is best to have open surroundings and moist air; indoors, there should be sufficient light, preferably facing south. This is favorable for orchid growth. Orchid pots are best placed on wooden stands or tables, not on the ground.

2. Soil selection: Peat soil, black mountain soil, pine needle soil, garden soil, fern roots, moss and bark chunks can all serve as orchid culture soil. The bottom of the pot should have good drainage to increase permeability. Tile pieces can be used to cover the drainage hole, then a layer of broken brick and stone granules should be laid with a thickness of one quarter of the pot bottom depth, and finally the culture soil should be spread on top. When planting orchids, they should be held upright and inserted into the soil, then covered with soil up to the pseudobulbs. Compact the soil, and do not fill soil within 2 cm to facilitate watering. After planting, water thoroughly, place in a cool environment, and move to a ventilated, sunny environment after half a month. The pot surface can be covered with small gravel, which both retains moisture and enhances ornamental value.

3. Watering: For orchids, eight parts dry and two parts wet is best. During the flowering period and the period when leaf buds emerge, watering should be less. During the plum rain season, they should be moved back indoors or a shed should be set up to shelter them from rain. In summer, water in the early morning or evening, and not too much. In autumn, the amount of watering can be appropriately increased. In dry seasons, spray every evening. When spraying, spray upward so that the mist droplets are fine and even, making the leaf surface moist and the ground damp, increasing air humidity. Sometimes it is best to spray several times a day. When watering, water from the edge of the pot, and do not pour directly on the crown. Do not water at noon. Although watering in winter can be greatly reduced, it does not mean not watering at all; be careful not to let the potting soil dry out completely. In late winter and early spring, if watering causes the leaves and leaf sheaths to become wet along the edges, wait until they dry in the sun before moving them indoors to avoid rot. In short, water when dry, stop when wet, and the principle is to keep appropriately on the dry side. Rainwater and spring water are best for use. All kinds of water should first be drawn and stored in a jar to let pollutants settle, bring the water temperature to normal, and let the chlorine in tap water dissipate, and then use it for watering.

4. Light: Although orchids prefer cool conditions, if kept in a hidden place year-round, they will also rarely bloom. Orchid growers discovered long ago that orchids on the shady side of a mountain have long leaves but sparse flowers, while orchids on the sunny side of a mountain have short leaves but many flowers. Therefore, attention must be paid to light when cultivating orchids. In spring and summer, orchids are best shaded with reed curtains, or placed at an east- or south-facing ventilated window indoors. Orchids under the curtain should have their pots turned once every half month so that the orchids receive light on all sides, which is beneficial for balanced plant growth. When autumn turns cool, the potted orchids should be moved out from the shaded place and allowed to bask in the morning sun for half a day, but be careful that autumn does not become dry. In cold weather, place them indoors under a south window to overwinter, but it need not be too warm. It is best to add a plastic film cover to maintain appropriate humidity on the leaf surface. As for the prevention and control of pests and diseases, if brown rust disease or southern blight occurs, treat with 0.5% lime sulfur mixture. If there is an ant nest, the pot can be soaked in water to drive them away.

5. Fertilization: Fertilizer application should avoid being too concentrated. Therefore, during the growing period, horse-hoof sauce residue water, soybean cake water, etc. can be used once every half month. If potassium dihydrogen phosphate is applied in an appropriate amount, the effect is even better. Fertilizing in the hot summer season is inappropriate because the temperature is too high, water loss is fast, and the fertilizer concentration will become thicker, affecting plant growth. In addition, daily watering is needed, and water should be sprayed on the leaves several times. The water should be slightly acidic, which is beneficial for plant growth.

6. Pruning: During orchid cultivation, the plants must be pruned. For example, when old leaves turn yellow and withered, they all need pruning, which not only benefits the growth of other leaves but also improves ventilation. Diseased leaves especially need timely pruning to prevent contagion. In addition, scissors also need to be disinfected to prevent infection.

How to Grow Michelia alba: An Analysis of Michelia alba Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Michelia alba is obtained from the natural hybridization of two plants, Michelia champaca and Michelia figo. Its flowers are relatively large, pure white and flawless. Whenever it blooms, it attracts countless passersby to stop and admire. How do you grow Michelia alba, and what are the cultivation methods and precautions for Michelia alba? Today, wed114 wedding website will introduce to everyone the knowledge of how to grow Michelia alba.

How to Grow Phalaenopsis Orchids: Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchid flowers resemble butterflies dancing gracefully, with brilliant colors, and are known as the "Queen of Orchids". They have high ornamental value, and many people like to grow them very much. Below, let us look at how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids, and the cultivation methods and precautions for Phalaenopsis orchids.

Growth Habits of Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids like warmth and fear cold. They have relatively high requirements for temperature and humidity, and prefer slightly acidic soil with good drainage and aeration.

Cultivation Methods for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Soil: Aquatic plants and moss can be used as cultivation media. Generally, use soil that is airy, rot-resistant, slightly acidic and permeable.

Temperature: Phalaenopsis orchids like warmth. The growth temperature is 15-20°C. During the growing period, the minimum temperature should be kept above 15°C, but the temperature must not be too high. If the temperature is higher than 32°C, Phalaenopsis orchids will enter a semi-dormant state; in winter, below 10°C they will stop growing, and below 5°C they are prone to death.

Pay attention to maintaining room temperature.

Light: Although Phalaenopsis orchids prefer shade, the plants still need to receive some light, especially before and after the flowering period. Appropriate light can promote flowering in Phalaenopsis orchids and make the flowers more brilliant and long-lasting. Generally, they should be placed in a place indoors with scattered light, and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Watering: Phalaenopsis orchids are suitable for cultivation and care in a ventilated, high-humidity environment. Generally, the suitable air humidity for Phalaenopsis orchid growth is 60%-80%. If the humidity is too high, diseases may occur. Watering principle: water when dry, stop when wet; when watering, water until water flows out from the bottom of the pot, and do not overwater. At the same time, to maintain temperature, water can often be sprinkled where the orchids are placed to maintain humidity around the orchids. Remember, there must be no water accumulation.

Fertilization: Phalaenopsis orchids have relatively strict fertilizer requirements. Fertilize throughout the year, and unless low temperatures last for a long time, fertilization should not be stopped. Winter is the flower bud differentiation period for Phalaenopsis orchids, and stopping fertilizer can easily lead to no flowers or few flowers; spring and summer are the growing period for Phalaenopsis orchids, and a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied once every 7-10 days. Organic fertilizer is preferred, and special Phalaenopsis nutrient solution can also be applied, but do not apply it when there are flower buds, otherwise the buds are likely to drop early; after the flowering period, nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer can be applied; during the flower stem growth period in autumn and winter, phosphorus fertilizer can be used, but it should be dilute, about once every 2-3 weeks. Fertilization time is mostly in the afternoon after watering. After fertilizing several times, use a large amount of water to flush the orchid pot and plants to avoid residual inorganic salts harming the roots.

Pest and disease control: Common pests and diseases of Phalaenopsis orchids mainly include soft rot, brown spot disease, anthracnose, sooty mold, viral disease, scale insects, red spider mites, etc. Mainly adopt the principle of prevention first, pay attention to daily care, improve ventilation conditions, and keep the environment clean. If diseased plants are found, promptly remove the source of infection, remove diseased leaves and remnants, and isolate or destroy severely affected plants to prevent the expansion and spread of pests and diseases. In addition, suitable agents can be selected for control. During the disease period, diluted fungicides and insecticides can be used for control.

Precautions for Phalaenopsis Orchids

When watering Phalaenopsis orchids in winter, do not splash water onto the leaves, as it can easily cause freezing damage; in summer, pay attention to preventing high temperature and high humidity, otherwise diseases are likely to occur; in summer and winter, do not place Phalaenopsis orchid plants near air conditioners or heaters; fertilization should adhere to the principle of applying less fertilizer and dilute fertilizer.

These are the cultivation methods and precautions for Phalaenopsis orchids. It can be seen that growing a pot of Phalaenopsis orchids is not easy, so everyone must carefully care for Phalaenopsis orchids.

Extended reading:

Phalaenopsis orchid flower language and symbolism, how to grow, planting methods, cultivation methods and precautions