What tools are needed for planting orchids?

To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools. The same is true for growing orchids. In order to improve the efficiency of care work, some tools are essential, and some tools are borrowed from the care process of other plants. In order to give orchid enthusiasts a relatively comprehensive understanding, a basic introduction is provided here for everyone's reference: 1. Orchid pots, which are indispensable for orchid cultivation. There are many types and they vary in texture. Generally, they are required to be attractive in shape and to have good drainage and aeration. 2. Watering cans, mainly used for watering and fertilizing. There are also many types. Those with long, slender spouts make it easy to control the point where water falls when watering and fertilizing, so as not to burn leaf buds and flower buds; those with a showerhead are more suitable for extensive cultivation and management. 3. Sprayers, used for misting orchid leaves, applying foliar fertilizer, and spraying fungicides and insecticides. There are many varieties currently sold on the market, and different models can be selected according to the scale of planting. It is best if the spray is even and fine; it is best to choose one with an adjustable nozzle. 4. Orchid stands. Because most orchid pots are tall-footed pots, using orchid stands together with them has a good effect on both display and preventing them from tipping over. According to the size of the pots and the site, there are many specifications, and they can also be made by yourself. 5. Coarse and fine sieves. Generally, three kinds are needed: large, medium, and small mesh, used for sifting potting soil. This is because the growth of orchid roots is greatly related to the drainage and aeration of the cultivation soil. According to the experience summarized by earlier generations of orchid growers, when planting orchids, the potting soil is generally sifted into three grades: large, medium, and small particles. When used, it is placed into the pot in layers: large particles at the bottom of the pot, medium particles in the middle of the pot, and small particles on the surface of the pot to increase aeration. 6. Scissors, used for dividing orchids and pruning rotten, decayed, and damaged roots and leaves of orchids. Special attention should be paid to this: disinfection and sterilization treatment should be carried out before and after each use to avoid transmitting diseases and pests. (Medical scissors work well.) 7. Tweezers, used to remove debris and pests from orchid pots, as well as for combing roots and positioning when planting orchids. Generally, it is best to choose two types: fine-pointed and large round-pointed. 8. Labels, inserted at the edge of the pot, indicating information such as variety, number of seedlings, and potting time. This prevents confusion after a long time and avoids mistakes in identifying varieties. Every pot of orchids needs a label inserted. 9. Magnifying glass, used for observing and identifying orchid varieties, changes in orchid leaves and pseudobulbs, veins and colors on the bracts, and for checking whether diseases and pests exist on orchid plants and in the potting soil. 10. Plastic buckets, used for storing water for watering orchids after it has been left to stand, as well as for acidification treatment. The temperature of the water held in the bucket should preferably be relatively close to the temperature in the orchid pot, so as to avoid an unsuitable stimulating effect on orchids caused by a temperature difference during watering. 11. Water basins, used for cleaning and disinfecting orchid plants. 12. Scoops, used for taking potting soil. 13. Large plastic bottles, used for composting organic fertilizer. 14. Brushes, used for washing orchid leaves and removing dirt and insect eggs from the leaves. (This can avoid damaging the orchid leaves.) 15. Soft towels, used for wiping orchid leaves. Keep the leaf surface clean to facilitate photosynthesis. 16. Small hammers, used for smashing bricks, tiles, clods of soil, and other overly large planting materials. 17. Thermometers and hygrometers. Because the growth of orchids is greatly related to air temperature and humidity, having these makes it easier to monitor the orchid growing environment in a timely manner. 18. pH test pen or test paper. The pH value of orchid planting materials and water is also one of the important factors affecting the normal growth of orchids. If the pH value is too high or too low, it will hinder the growth of orchids and lead to diseases and pests. This can be used to measure the accurate pH value so that it can be corrected (generally a pH value between 6.5-5.5 is better). 19. Measuring tools, used to obtain correct proportions when using fertilizers and medicines for orchids. (Sold in medical stores.) The above is an overview of the tools used in the process of orchid cultivation and care, but they are not all indispensable. If conditions permit, it is best to prepare as many as possible, and some can also be replaced by other tools according to personal experience and habits, as long as they are handy to use. With the development of the times and the passage of time, more, better, more complete, and more convenient tools will emerge. By the way, it is best to also prepare some reference books and materials on orchids. With rich theoretical knowledge, combined with practical operation, you will achieve twice the result with half the effort and take your orchid-growing level to the next level.