Six Aspects of Orchid Blooming Period Management and Identification of Edible Mushroom Diseases

Orchids have been praised since ancient times, with elegant flower forms and verdant leaves that are universally beloved. That is why quite a few flower enthusiasts grow them at home. Some of our fellow growers have kept orchids at home for several years without ever seeing them bloom. So orchid blooming is relatively rare, and how should orchids be managed during the blooming period?

I. Managing orchids during the blooming period from 6 aspects

Some flower enthusiasts might think that managing orchids during the blooming period just means being done once they bloom. Actually that is not the case. During the orchid's blooming period we still need to care for it, so that next year it will grow better and bloom more abundantly. After the orchid blooms, we can manage it from these aspects: watering, humidity, light, pruning, protection from wind and rain, and prevention and control of diseases and pests.

1. Control the water amount well

During the orchid's blooming period, the watering method for orchids requires special attention. At this time orchids should not be too dry; if the water amount is too little, it is very likely to affect the flower scape's elongation. Also, when watering early, we must avoid sprinkling water into the bud sheaths, to prevent rot. Once the orchid's flower buds open, water should be controlled appropriately, otherwise the outer three petals will elongate and droop.

2. Increase air humidity

After the orchid flowers open, we should stop casually spraying water on the petals; too much humidity on the petals easily causes the flowers to wilt prematurely. But the opening of the petals also needs humidity to maintain, so we can place a small humidifier when the orchid is blooming; this way the orchid's petals will be tender and moist, and the blooming period will be relatively longer.

3. Light

Before the orchid buds have opened, we should place it under soft sunlight to get more sun, so that the orchid flowers that bloom will have vivid and striking colors. Once the buds open, we should immediately move it to a cool, ventilated location; doing so can prevent the flowers from withering and extend the blooming period.

4. Timely pruning

If you find that the orchid has many flower buds, or has some pseudobulbs, then we can appropriately prune away some flower buds and pseudobulbs. This can prevent the pseudobulbs from consuming excess nutrients, and can give the other flower buds more nutrients. In addition, the orchid's flower scape should also be cut off in time, likewise to prevent it from consuming nutrients.

5. Protection from wind and rain

During the orchid's blooming period, strong wind has a very big impact on orchids. Strong wind blowing on orchids can easily cause the orchid's flower spikes to break, and the petals will also be blown limp. In addition, rainwater will also cause the orchid's petals to wither, so on windy and rainy days, we must move the orchids indoors to a sheltered place.