How to revitalize weak orchid seedlings? Master these care methods
Many friends love growing orchids, but weak seedlings easily appear at the orchid seedling stage, and many people just give up. In fact, with careful tending, revitalizing weak orchid seedlings is not that difficult. Below, Xiaolin shares with everyone the methods for revitalizing weak orchid seedlings:
Revitalizing weak orchid seedlings and small plantlets is somewhat difficult. Practice has proven that to revitalize weak seedlings and small plantlets, all measures must conform to their growth patterns, and you must tend them patiently with an ordinary mindset, advancing steadily and slowly, and never rushing things. As long as you choose good potting medium and keep up with management, weak orchid seedlings and small plantlets can absolutely be revitalized.
(1) Carefully select a mixed potting medium that is breathable, drains well and is rich in nutrients: a mixed potting medium is best. For cultivating weak seedlings and small plantlets, the potting medium is best a mixed medium containing sieved orchid soil, making up 1/3 of the ratio, coarse at the bottom and fine on top, and especially around the pseudobulbs you should cover with fine particles 3~5 mm in diameter, as this favors new root growth in weak seedlings and small plantlets. Deep roots and lush leaves - only by growing the roots well can weak seedlings and small plantlets possibly be revitalized; otherwise, nothing can be discussed.
(2) The orchid pot should be small, and do not repot too frequently: weak orchid seedlings and small plantlets have underdeveloped root systems, so when choosing a pot, small is better than large. Using a large pot for weak seedlings and small plantlets makes it hard for the potting medium to dry out thoroughly, easily leading to root rot and plant collapse. Weak seedlings and small plantlets grow slowly and should be left undisturbed rather than moved; if no disease appears, do not repot, because seedlings produced after repotting are very hard to grow large.
(3) It is best to cultivate them in the same pot as robust seedlings: practice has proven that the more robust the orchid plant, the more orchid fungi there are around its root system, and the more orchid fungi, the more favorable it is for orchid growth. But around the root systems of weak seedlings and small plantlets, the orchid fungi are mostly inactive, and the orchid plants grow slowly. Therefore, if you want to revitalize weak seedlings and small plantlets, it is best to find them a "wet nurse", that is, plant them in the same pot as robust orchid seedlings, so they grow in an environment with active orchid fungi, using the "strong" to carry the "weak" and promote growth, with good results.
(4) Provide appropriate shading: weak seedlings and small plantlets should be kept in shade rather than sun, with scattered light being best, and only when leaves unfold should they be given a little morning sun, gradually exercising them to adapt. Weak seedlings and small plantlets suddenly exposed to strong direct sunlight are easily damaged.
(5) Keep them on a light feeding regimen: weak seedlings and small plantlets have weak growth and do not need much fertilizer, especially during the dormant period. "A weakened body cannot take tonics", and too much fertilizer will be counterproductive. The general requirement for growing weak seedlings and small plantlets is to keep them on the dry, plain side, with the potting medium dry but not parched, moist but not soggy. Too much fertilizer plus wetness often makes it hard for roots to form, or even prevents root formation. When watering, do not spray heavily, and generally they should not be rained on either; otherwise the seedlings easily rot.
(6) Create suitable air humidity conditions: when growing weak seedlings and small plantlets, the air humidity must not be too high or too low, and the relative air humidity is best at 40%~70%.