Orchids snapped up at 10 yuan a pot: is it worth it for the old man to sell flowers in town?

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Orchids are a very common household plant for us, but the orchids we grow are generally artificially cultivated ones, yet even artificially cultivated orchids are very beautiful. Since ancient times, the orchid has been a famous flower of our country, and has always ranked first among our country's ten most famous flowers; wild orchids are even a second-class protected plant in our country.

A few days ago, at the market in the county town, I saw an old man selling a few orchids laid out on the ground, each orchid even planted in a pot. Although there were only four or five of them, each one had a different form. The old man asked 10 yuan a pot, but what nobody expected was that within just a few minutes they were all bought up. Take a look at the quality of these orchids - are they really worth 10 yuan? Do you think they are worth it?

Actually, orchids, no matter what, as long as they are 10 yuan each you won't lose out. And with someone like the old man, who often gathers wild products in the mountains and works in the fields, there is no need to even think about it - these orchids must have come from the wild, that is, what we call wild orchids. As for wild orchids, never mind 10 yuan, even at 100 yuan per plant, I reckon it still wouldn't be a loss. But orchids nowadays are in fact forbidden to be dug up or bought and sold privately. Sometimes, though, old men in the countryside simply don't know this; they only know this plant looks quite nice, and they hear city people like growing these flowers and plants, so they pot them up and sell them at the market - it's just that the price is really set a bit low.

Orchids are a rather difficult plant to grow, and they have very high requirements for potting soil. We need potting soil with very good air permeability. Generally, when we mix growing medium for orchids, we add a large amount of coconut coir and coal cinders, then add some garden soil and leaf mold - that is the basic mix for orchid potting soil. Soil mixed this way has very good air permeability, and the nutrients are sufficient too; most importantly, its water permeability is very good. Orchids are very afraid of waterlogging. If the soil's water permeability is not good enough, root rot easily develops. Their root system is a fleshy root system, and as soon as water accumulates, the roots easily rot, causing the plant to die.

Orchids are a semi-shade-loving plant. Even in the wild, orchids grow under trees, and on fairly steep slopes. Such places are often shaded by the tree canopy, and on a slope, water generally cannot collect, which is what creates the living environment they like. Also, under the trees there is usually a thick layer of fallen leaves; after rotting over many years, these leaves become excellent leaf mold, very loose and permeable, and rich in nutrients. When we grow orchids, it is best to imitate their wild living environment.

Of course, the knowledge of caring for orchids is not limited to this one point; there are also many little tricks that require us to keep learning, keep summarizing and keep experiencing while caring for orchids. Only by tending flowers with care can you grow an orchid well. Do you think the old man's wild orchids at 10 yuan a pot are worth it? If you think they are not worth it, how much per pot do you think would be appropriate?

If you are interested in orchids, you can like, save and follow us. We update all kinds of little knowledge and tips about flower care every day, and hope to help everyone. Author: Uncle Jiang Yun

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