How to care for orchids in summer and autumn? These methods must be mastered

Orchids originate from the understory of valley forests, are shade-loving by nature and afraid of sun, and cannot tolerate intense heat or dryness; they require a well-ventilated environment. According to this growth habit, orchid care in summer and autumn must pay attention to four points:

Shading and ventilation: Orchids need shading from early summer until the end of September, and the shading rate must not be lower than 70%. When shading, use shade netting for large quantities, and for small quantities place them on a north-facing balcony or under the eaves. During this period, the plants should be spaced out, with no less than 10 cm between pots. It is best to prop the pots up on bricks to increase airflow and allow ventilation and air exchange. In addition, it is also necessary to prevent pollution from harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and dust, so as to promote healthy growth.

Cooling and humidity increase: The suitable growth temperature for orchids is 20°C-28°C. Above 25°C they grow rapidly, and above 32°C they are forced into dormancy, with growth at a standstill. When the temperature reaches 30°C, cooling and humidifying measures need to be taken. For those cultivated outdoors, river sand or plastic film can be laid on the ground; for those cultivated on balconies, place sponge under the pots and keep it moist often. Spray the plants multiple times a day and sprinkle water on the ground. For indoor cultivation, an air conditioner or electric fan can be used. Adjust the temperature below 30°C as much as possible, and keep air humidity stable above 70%.

Watering and fertilizing: At present, most orchid growing uses soil culture, and mostly in pots. The principle for potting soil moisture should be "moist but not wet, dry but not parched." Watering should be done when the surface soil is slightly white; never water too much, as this causes root rot. From midsummer to early autumn, generally water thoroughly once in the early morning, and water in the evening as appropriate according to how dry or moist the potting soil is. If the potting soil is found to be dry after noon, replenish water at any time. After mid-autumn, although the climate gradually becomes cooler, the air is dry; according to the requirement that "autumn should not be dry," keep the potting soil moist. Fertilizing orchids should follow the principles of small amounts, dilution, frequent application and timely application, and this is even more necessary in summer and autumn. From May to September, fertilize as appropriate according to different orchid species and different growth stages. For orchid plants in dormancy or when the temperature is above 30°C, suspend fertilizing. Apply liquid fertilizer generally once every 15-20 days, with a fertilizer-to-water ratio of 1:10; indoors, use solid fertilizer. Large-scale production mostly uses chemical fertilizer at a concentration of about 0.1%. For foliar spraying fertilizer, prepare the concentration according to the product instructions.

Disease prevention and pest control: Orchids are plants prone to many diseases and pests, especially severe in hot and humid seasons. Anthracnose peaks from June to September; carbendazim and thiophanate have good control effects. For southern blight, drench with chloramphenicol injection at 500-1000 times dilution once a day for two consecutive applications to bring the disease under control. Scale insects are a major enemy of orchids; remove adults manually, and during the larval hatching period from May to June, spray with chemicals to kill them. For aphids and whiteflies, spray with 10% wettable powder at 500 times dilution, and two consecutive sprays are sufficient.