How to water lily of the valley, how to fertilize lily of the valley / controlling watering amount / using multiple fertilizers in combination
Lily of the valley is a plant with extremely high medicinal value, and it also has high ornamental value. However, if you want it to have ornamental value, the care process cannot be careless at all, and watering and fertilizing are especially important. As for how to water lily of the valley and how to fertilize lily of the valley? There is a detailed introduction below, and flower lovers who are interested can take a look.
I. How to water lily of the valley / controlling watering amount and timing
1. Watering time
Generally, when the weather is relatively hot in summer, it is best to choose evening or early morning for watering, because the temperature is not particularly high at these two times, and lily of the valley is more likely to absorb it when watered then. In spring and autumn, the temperature is relatively suitable, so it can be watered at any time. In winter, it is best to choose noon for watering, because the temperature will not be too low, and lily of the valley will absorb it more easily.
2. Watering amount
Regarding how to water lily of the valley, the watering amount is something that needs relatively more attention. When watering lily of the valley, remember not to water too frequently; wait until the soil has dried thoroughly before watering, as this will be more conducive to its absorption, and when watering, it must be watered thoroughly, because lily of the valley prefers a moist environment, but remember not to let water accumulate.
3. Watering method
When watering lily of the valley, we must water evenly and slowly, and must not pour it all at once, as this can easily cause water accumulation and lead to root rot in lily of the valley. When watering, you can choose circular watering, which can ensure even watering.
II. How to fertilize lily of the valley / using multiple fertilizers in combination
1. Choosing fertilizer
When fertilizing lily of the valley, multiple fertilizers need to be used in combination. At the beginning, we can choose nitrogen fertilizer, and when it is about to bloom, add a little phosphorus fertilizer, so that lily of the valley can grow robustly, so the choice of fertilizer is still very important.
2. Fertilizing time
When fertilizing lily of the valley, attention still needs to be paid to timing; you cannot fertilize whenever you want. Generally, during its growth period, we can appropriately apply a little more fertilizer. About half a month before its flowering period, fertilize once, and after entering the flowering period, there is no need to fertilize. After the flowering period ends, applying fertilizer 1-2 times is enough.
3. Fertilizing method
Regarding how to fertilize lily of the valley, the method is very important. Generally, when fertilizing lily of the valley, we should first loosen its soil, so that it can absorb better after fertilization. When fertilizing, it is generally applied to the soil, and never scattered on the plant itself, as this will burn it. Everyone must pay attention to this point.
As long as you remember the points mentioned above by the editor, everyone will definitely be more successful in the process of growing lily of the valley. As for what else needs attention in lily of the valley cultivation besides the above highlights, everyone can refer to the article on lily of the valley cultivation methods. The editor will introduce here how to water lily of the valley and how to fertilize lily of the valley, hoping it can help everyone.
How to grow Cymbidium ensifolium_ Cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium ensifolium
Cymbidium ensifolium is also known as Four Seasons Orchid, Jianhui, Male Orchid, Four Seasons Orchid, and so on. It is a terrestrial plant, and its pseudobulbs are egg-shaped, with the bulbs hidden inside the base of the leaves. The leaves generally grow 2-6 in number and are strap-shaped, very glossy, with a length of 30-60 cm and a width of 1-2.5 cm. Its flower scape grows from the base of the pseudobulb, is upright, shorter than the leaves, and forms a raceme, with 3-9 flowers. When the flowers are in full bloom, they have a faint fragrance, and the color variation is very great; the color is light yellow-green, and it also has purple spots on it. The sepals are narrowly oblong or narrowly elliptical, and the petals are elliptical and narrowly ovate-elliptical. Its flowering period is from June to October. Below let us take a look at how to grow Cymbidium ensifolium, as well as the cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium ensifolium.
[Growth habits of Cymbidium ensifolium]
Cymbidium ensifolium generally grows in sparse forests, thickets, valleys, and grassy areas, at an altitude of generally 600-1800 m. It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, southwestern Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Taiwan, China, Jiangxi, and other regions, and is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Japan. It has very good horticultural ornamental and herbal value. Cymbidium ensifolium generally grows in environments with air circulation, shade, and moisture, and avoids direct strong light and dry climates. The suitable growth temperature is 15-30 degrees Celsius. Growth is poor in a 35 degrees Celsius environment, and growth is also unfavorable in the severe cold of 5 degrees Celsius, where it often remains in a dormant state.
If exposed to strong sunlight or high temperatures, the leaves will be scorched. In relatively low-temperature climates, Cymbidium ensifolium can be placed indoors for cultivation to prevent frostbite. Orchids are plants with fleshy roots, and they are suitable for growing in sandy soil rich in humus, and require good drainage. Leaf mold or mountain soil with relatively more humus should be chosen. Soil that is slightly acidic or slightly acidic and contains iron is also very suitable, with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
[How to grow Cymbidium ensifolium]
Cymbidium ensifolium generally uses division propagation, which can be carried out in spring and autumn, generally once every three years. When the plant grows relatively robustly and the pseudobulbs are relatively dense, the division method can be used, and after division, 5 connected ones should be kept together. Before division, watering should be reduced to keep the potting soil dry. When potting, choose broken tiles to place over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, then spread coarse gravel on top, then add coarse sand or fine soil on top, and use soil rich in humus for planting. Bury the pseudobulbs into the soil, leave a 2 cm rim at the edge of the pot, then spread Selaginella uncinata or gravel on top, then water thoroughly, place it in a relatively shaded place for half a month, keep the potting soil moist, then reduce watering and carry out normal care.
[Cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium ensifolium]
1. Time: Cymbidium ensifolium is generally chosen for planting in spring, while repotting can be carried out in autumn. Cymbidium ensifolium is native to the relatively warm regions of southern China, and its light requirements are relatively strict. Its cold resistance is not particularly good, so care should be strengthened in winter, and low temperatures should be prevented from causing cold damage.
2. Soil: Choosing thin plastic soft pots is the most economical. It is most suitable to use loose soil rich in organic matter, with good air permeability and good drainage. This is more conducive to the growth of Cymbidium ensifolium. If you want to increase the symbiotic Cymbidium fungi, you can mix leaf mold, coarse sand particles, burned soil, shiitake mushroom soil, rice husk, and so on together for cultivation.
3. Light: Cymbidium ensifolium is a plant that likes sufficient light, but it cannot be exposed to strong sunlight. Cymbidium ensifolium can bloom twice a year. The flowering period is from July to October, with full bloom in mid-July, and the second flowering is in early August.
4. Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for Cymbidium ensifolium is 15-23 degrees Celsius. In summer, when it is relatively hot, 70-80% plastic shading can be used to lower the temperature. Too strong light will cause high temperatures, so increasing the level or density of shade can be used to lower the temperature, which is more conducive to the growth of Cymbidium ensifolium.
5. Fertilizing: Cymbidium ensifolium is a plant that likes fertilizer. Some nitrogen fertilizer can be applied, and a mixed fertilizer of plant ash, cattle bone meal, cake fertilizer, and burned soil can be applied in it. Fertilize at least four times a year, which is more conducive to the growth of Cymbidium ensifolium. If using liquid fertilizer, fully decomposed organic fertilizer can be diluted before application, such as urea, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and other special fertilizers applied alternately, fertilizing once every half month. Water can be used to spray the leaf surface, thereby keeping the leaf surface clean.
[Precautions for growing Cymbidium ensifolium]
The cultivation method of Cymbidium ensifolium is relatively simple. Just keep the potting soil moist, avoid water accumulation, spray water on the leaves more often in summer, and fertilize once every half month during the growth period, but fertilizer must not touch the leaf surface, otherwise it will cause scorching on the leaf surface. In high-temperature seasons, shading treatment should be carried out to prevent heavy rain from washing it, and in winter place it indoors for care to avoid frost damage to the leaves.
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How to grow orchids What is the flower language of orchids
Introduction to orchids
Orchid, also known as Chinese orchid, terrestrial orchid, and orchid grass, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant of the genus Cymbidium in the family Orchidaceae. It is native to China, with relatively wide distribution in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Tibet, and is a traditional precious flower of China and also a famous flower of the world. People have always regarded orchids as a symbol of nobility and elegance, and together with plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum they are called the “Four Gentlemen”. Orchids, with their delicate fragrance and elegance, together with chrysanthemum, narcissus, and Acorus calamus, are called the “Four Elegant Flowers and Grasses”, and orchids rank first among the four. Orchids are plain and unadorned, with evergreen leaves, leaves that are soft yet firm, and flowers with a subtle fragrance that travels far. They have extremely high ornamental value and are treasures for display in living rooms, bedrooms, or as decoration in studies and entrance halls.
How to grow orchids
1. Soil selection for orchid cultivation
The soil used for orchids should mainly be humus, mainly using leaf mold or mountain forest humus soil. In the south, the humus soil from the place of origin is used, commonly known as orchid mud; leaf mold, vermiculite, perlite, and so on can also be used to artificially prepare a loose, air-permeable, water-permeable growing medium. Generally, 8 parts leaf mold and 2 parts river sand are mixed into a growing medium, or 7 parts leaf mold, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part river sand are mixed into a growing medium, or 6 parts leaf mold (peat soil), 3 parts compost soil, and 1 part river sand are mixed evenly into a growing medium. The growing media prepared above are all slightly acidic.
2. Fertilizing methods for orchid cultivation
Orchid fertilization includes, first, applying base fertilizer into the growing medium, and second, topdressing during the growth period. Topdressing mostly uses liquid fertilizer or foliar fertilizer, and the concentration should be lighter than that for other flowers. Orchids change their growing medium once a year, and during the growth period, less topdressing can be applied, and attention should be paid to timely application. Generally, in the growing season, fully decomposed dilute cake fertilizer water of about 15% can be applied as topdressing, or 0.1% urea fertilizer water plus 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer water, applied once every 15-20 days; from before flowering to the flowering period, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or plant ash water can be sprayed on the leaves 2-3 times to promote the development of roots, stems, and flowers. Orchids have fleshy roots, so undecomposed fertilizer must not be applied, to avoid root rot.
3. Watering methods for orchid cultivation
Watering orchids should be based on the species, growth conditions, and local climate, and should achieve moist but not wet, dry but not parched; watering cannot be too much or too little, and the principle of not dry in autumn and not wet in winter should be mastered. In winter, the temperature is low, and the plant is in a dormant state, so watering should be controlled. Generally, water once every 5-7 days, but Cymbidium sinense, which blooms in winter, needs more water;
In spring and autumn, water once every 2-3 days; in summer, the temperature is high, and it is also the period of vigorous growth for orchids, so water 1 to 2 times a day on average. When watering, be careful to prevent water droplets from splashing on the leaves, so as to avoid black spots and affect the ornamental effect. During the growth period of orchids, water should often be sprayed on the leaves, and in summer water should also be sprinkled on the ground around the flower pot to increase air humidity and promote the growth and development of orchids. For water used to irrigate orchids, rainwater and snow water are best. If tap water is used, it should be stored for 2-3 days before use.
4. Temperature requirements for orchid cultivation
For potted orchids in the north, they should be moved indoors around the Frost's Descent solar term when the temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius. In the early period after being moved indoors, windows should be opened frequently to keep the air circulating. In winter, the indoor temperature should be kept at around 10 degrees Celsius. After Grain Rain, move them outdoors for care. The suitable growth temperature for orchids is 16-24 degrees Celsius. In winter, the indoor temperature is generally required to be relatively low, preferably 10-12 degrees Celsius during the day and 5-10 degrees Celsius at night. The temperature and humidity cannot be too high; in summer, the temperature should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
5. Light requirements for orchid cultivation
Orchids like shade and fear direct strong light, so shading should be carried out in spring, summer, and autumn. For growing orchids at home, in order to control the amount of light, it is best to place them on a balcony windowsill or under the eaves with bamboo curtain shading, generally shading from 9 a.m. to before 6 p.m., and pulling the curtain open in the morning and after 6 p.m. so they receive scattered sunlight. In winter, they should be moved indoors to a place with visible scattered light, but direct sunlight should also be avoided. Among orchids, Cymbidium sinense has the strongest shade tolerance, followed by Cymbidium ensifolium, while Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi have weaker shade tolerance.
6. Potting methods for orchid cultivation
The environment for cultivating orchids should be well ventilated, humid, and pollution-free. The orchid pot should be a tall pot, thick at the top and thin at the bottom, with multiple drainage holes, or drainage holes set in the pot wall. The orchid pot itself should also have ornamental value. Because orchids grow relatively slowly, they can be repotted once every 1-2 years after the flowers fade. When potting, first fill the bottom of the pot with about 3 cm of tile pieces, furnace slag, and so on to facilitate drainage. Then, put in a layer of growing medium, then place the orchid seedling in the center of the pot, straighten the roots, and let them stretch naturally. When half of the soil has been filled, gently lift the orchid seedling, and at the same time shake the flower pot so that the soil and roots are closely combined. When the soil is filled to 2-3 cm from the pot rim, gently press it firm with your hands. After planting, water thoroughly and place in a cool place, spraying water once each in the morning and afternoon every day, and after about 7-10 days move it to a cool place with dappled light for care.
7. Precautions for orchid cultivation
(1) Orchids are mainly distributed in the southeast and southwest regions. They mostly grow wild under sparse forests in moist valleys and in shaded places beside rocks, so they like warm, humid climates, like shade and moisture, require 70%-90% shading, and avoid high temperatures, dryness, and strong light.
(2) During orchid cultivation, withered yellow old leaves and diseased and insect-damaged leaves should be constantly cut off to facilitate ventilation. After flower buds emerge, each plant should keep one strong flower bud, and the rest should be cut off, so as to avoid consuming too many nutrients and affecting flowering the next year. After the flowers fade, the flower scape should be cut off. (3) In winter, attention should be paid to cold protection. Terrestrial orchids have strong cold resistance, while tropical orchids require a relatively high overwintering temperature and should be moved indoors early or protected from cold with a plastic shed to avoid freezing. The room temperature is best kept at 10-15 degrees Celsius, and attention should be paid to ventilation during indoor care. As the climate gradually warms in early spring, gradually move the orchids to the courtyard or balcony.
(4) For home cultivation of orchids, natural rainwater, stream water, well water, and river water are best. If tap water is used, it should first be stored in a vat and exposed to the sun to remove bleaching powder before use. If tap water is used to water flowers for a long time, the growing medium will gradually become alkaline. Ferrous sulfate can be applied once at intervals to increase soil acidity. In addition, using fermented rice washing water to water orchids can also keep the soil in a slightly acidic state.
8. Propagation methods for orchid cultivation
Orchids mostly use division propagation and tissue culture propagation, and seed sowing is used for breeding varieties.
(1) Division propagation: Division is carried out in spring and autumn, varying according to species. Species that bloom in winter and spring should be divided in late autumn; species that bloom in summer and autumn should be divided before budding in early spring. Generally, divide once every 2-3 years. Before division, reduce watering to make the potting soil appropriately dry; when dividing, hold the pot with your hands, gently knock the mother plant out of the pot, remove the soil, cut off the rotten roots and leaves, then wash clean with clean water, place in a shaded place to dry for 3-5 hours, and after the floating water has disappeared and the roots turn white, become soft, and slightly shrink, use a sharp knife to cut from the middle of the pseudobulb, apply plant ash to the cut to prevent rot, and plant immediately after drying in the shade. Be careful during division to prevent bruising the leaf buds and fleshy roots. After potting, place in a shaded place, and after growth resumes, transfer to normal management.
(2) Tissue culture rapid propagation: In recent years, China has already used tissue culture technology for large-scale orchid production. In addition to propagating orchids, the propagation of tropical orchids such as Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium hybridum, and Dendrobium also mostly uses tissue culture technology.
What is the flower language of orchids
Maintaining chastity in adversity
Flower languages of different types of orchids:
Violet——Please believe me, eternal youth
Spider plant——Plain, innocent, elegant, pure, hope, tranquility
Agave——Giving everything for love
Phalaenopsis——Power
Gladiolus——Secret meeting, with care, firmness
White lily of the valley——Happiness is about to arrive
Zephyranthes——Expectation, pure white love
Spark orchid——An unforgettable person
Chloranthus——Indistinct beauty
Ginger lily——Boredom
Dendrobium——The flower of fathers
Clivia——Noble, precious, abundant, with the demeanor of a gentleman
Oncidium (dancing lady orchid)——Beautiful and lively, happy, hidden love