Detailed Guide to Orchid Care Methods and Techniques in Early Spring

Early spring is the full blooming period for Cymbidium sinense (Chinese orchid) and Cymbidium goeringii (Spring orchid), and also the sprouting period for Cymbidium ensifolium (Fragrant orchid) and Cymbidium kanran (Cold orchid). Early spring often brings cloudy and rainy weather, with relatively large temperature fluctuations and frequent recurring cold waves, which is extremely unfavorable for orchid growth. If not managed properly at this time, it can lead to root rot and bud rot in orchids, and can even cause flower rot in Cymbidium sinense and Cymbidium goeringii that are in full bloom. Therefore, orchid care in early spring is very important.

Given the unpredictable weather, cold and rainy conditions of early spring, Cymbidium sinense and Cymbidium goeringii in full bloom must be kept indoors to protect the flower stems and blooms, because rainy and cold, changeable weather will shorten the blooming period, and watering orchids with cold rainwater will cause the flowers to rot. For orchid types such as Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium kanran, they can be placed outdoors, but care must be taken to ensure drainage and prevent waterlogging in the pots; it is best to set up plastic film above the pots to shelter them from rain.

In early spring, all fertilizer should be withheld from orchids. At this time the potting soil should be kept slightly moist; otherwise, the new buds of Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium kanran will rot and die, commonly known as "black death," where the tips of orchid buds rot and turn dark brown, extending until the entire bud withers and dies. If spring buds rot and die, it will severely affect the growth, cultivation and flowering of the entire orchid plant for that year. As the saying goes: strong spring buds, weak summer buds, autumn buds don't count. If spring buds rot and die, vigorous new seedlings will not be obtained that year.

Cloudy spring weather is a period when various pests and diseases frequently occur. Snails, aphids, scale insects, cutworms, mole crickets and other pests begin to harm orchid plants and new buds; rainy and humid weather will worsen the occurrence of brown spot disease. Therefore, regularly spray 65% thiophanate or 50% carbendazim at 1000 times dilution; keep the area around the orchid pots clean, scatter quicklime to prevent pests from entering the pots through the pot walls and drainage holes at the bottom, and frequently check the orchid pots for pest and disease occurrence. For Cymbidium sinense and Cymbidium goeringii that have finished blooming, fertilizer should be replenished in a timely manner, but concentrated fertilizer should be avoided.