How to grow orchids in the north? Mastering the five-step care method is enough

Orchids are monocotyledonous perennial herbaceous plants and a traditional famous flower of China. They have pseudobulbs and thick, fleshy clustered roots, with strap-shaped or linear leaves emerging from the pseudobulbs. They are famous for their fragrance. They prefer a cool, humid, semi-shaded climate.

1. How to care for orchids in the north? Orchids are a traditional famous flower of China, elegant and holy, and since ancient times they have been the first choice for Chinese people's home plant care. But in the north of our country, orchids are always felt to be difficult to grow. So how should orchids be cared for properly in northern cultivation?

Step one: Choose a suitable container. To cultivate orchids, you must first choose a good pot. The size of the pot should be such that the root system can spread out completely and naturally inside the pot. Generally, for orchid care it is best to use an earthenware pot. If you want to increase the decorative effect, you can put a colored-glazed porcelain pot over the outside of the earthenware pot. For the potting soil, it is best to use special orchid soil; hobbyists who have the conditions can also mix it themselves, using 6 parts leaf mold or peat soil, 3 parts sandy soil, and 1 part cake fertilizer, or 5 parts leaf mold, 3 parts compost, and 2 parts coarse sand mixed evenly. When preparing the growing medium, each material must first be crushed and sieved, then thoroughly mixed so that the density is uniform, and it must be disinfected before use. When potting, first place furnace ash and slag and similar material at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage and aeration, then plant the orchid properly.

Step two: Watering. Orchids should be watered in moderation. Orchids have fleshy roots, and too much water easily causes root rot. In spring and autumn, generally water once every 1-2 days. In summer, when the temperature is high and orchids are at their peak growth period, usually water once each in the early morning and in the evening. Never water with cold water under the scorching heat of the sun; sudden cold and sudden heat are the greatest taboo in orchid care. In addition, the leaf surfaces should often be sprayed and washed with clean water, and water should be sprinkled on the ground around the flower pot to increase air humidity, which is very beneficial to the growth, development and maintenance of orchids. In winter, when the temperature is low, most orchids enter dormancy; at this time watering should be controlled, and you can water once every 5-7 days. When watering orchids, pour slowly along the edge of the pot, do not pour water over the top, and be careful to prevent water droplets from splashing onto the leaves, otherwise black scorch spots easily form and the ornamental value is affected.

Step three: Fertilizing. Orchids do not like strong fertilizer. When fertilizing orchids, pay attention to applying thin fertilizer frequently; this is the reasoning behind the saying "clear orchids, turbid jasmine." Generally speaking, newly planted orchids should not be fertilized in the first year. From after Qingming in the second year, begin fertilizing until the Start of Autumn, and you can apply a compound flower fertilizer 1-2 times a month. Before fertilizing, control water for 1-2 days, and wait until the potting soil is slightly dry before applying. On the morning of the second day after fertilizing, water thoroughly once to prevent unclean matter in the fertilizer solution from contaminating the root system and harming the orchid roots. When applying liquid fertilizer, be careful not to let it touch the leaves. For plants that have grown rapidly after several years of cultivation, later-stage fertilization should mainly be phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which helps the pseudobulbs enlarge and the leaves become wide and thick, providing enough nutrients for flower bud differentiation. Every autumn before flower bud differentiation, apply two consecutive liquid fertilizers mainly based on phosphorus and potassium. During the bud stage, on a clear evening first sprinkle and clean the leaves with clean water, and after they dry, use a small sprayer to spray a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaf surfaces and the undersides of the leaves. At this time, wood ash water can also be applied. About 20 days after the flowers fade, apply twice a fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer or a compound flower fertilizer to promote plant growth. Fertilizing should be stopped on rainy days and during the winter dormancy period.

Step four: Light. Orchids should receive suitable light. From April to early May, before 9 a.m. they can properly receive a bit more sunlight. After mid-to-late May, shading is needed; at this time orchids should be placed in a cool, ventilated, semi-shaded place for cultivation. After the Start of Autumn, orchids should be given more sun to promote flower bud differentiation. After the beginning of winter, place them in a semi-shaded place indoors.

Step five: Diseases. The main disease harming orchids is black spot. Every 5-7 days in the evening, spray a 500-600 times rice vinegar solution on the undersides of the orchid leaves and around the orchid plants, which can help orchids grow healthily. The main component of rice vinegar is acetic acid, and it also contains various organic acids, with the effect of promoting plant growth and enhancing photosynthesis.