How to Grow Guanyin Su Orchid? Detailed Guide to Care and Propagation

Many flower enthusiasts do not know how to grow Guanyin Su orchid. In fact, the method is quite simple, boiling down to potting soil, watering, light, temperature and fertilizing. When well cared for, it blooms easily, and its fragrance is rich, making it widely loved. The propagation methods for Guanyin Su orchid are usually seed sowing and division propagation, and both are extremely easy to succeed with.

I. Care Tips for Guanyin Su Orchid

1. Pot and Soil Selection

The pot for Guanyin Su is best kept loose and breathable to help with drainage. Common choices are clay pots, ceramic pots and purple clay pots. As for soil specifically for orchids, it is usually a mix of several media, such as small stones, tree bark, plus leaf mold and peat soil blended together.

2. Moderate Watering

Guanyin Su orchid has a very strong water-storage capacity and is fairly drought-tolerant but not tolerant of waterlogging. In spring and autumn, water 2 to 3 times a week; in summer under high temperatures, water once a day to keep the medium moist but not waterlogged; in winter, water less, once a week is enough. Water less on cold days or rainy overcast days.

3. Suitable Light

Guanyin Su prefers shade and is quite sensitive to light. Normally it cannot take direct strong sunlight and needs moderate shading. Generally, give Guanyin Su the gentle morning and evening sun; the midday sun or summer sun is too strong and easily scorches the leaves. It is best placed in a spot with scattered sunlight.

4. Controlling Temperature

The most suitable temperature for Guanyin Su growth is between 18 and 30°C. When summer temperatures rise above 30°C, Guanyin Su needs moderate shading, placed in a cool, ventilated spot to pass the summer. When winter temperatures fall below 5°C, Guanyin Su grows very slowly, so it must be placed indoors for the winter to avoid frostbite or freezing to death.

5. Reasonable Fertilizing

Orchids quite like fertilizer. During the growing period, apply nitrogen fertilizer once every half month, and before the flowering period switch to phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote blooming. Follow the principle of light fertilizer applied frequently; if too much fertilizer is applied, it may burn the roots and cause root rot. Now that you know how to grow Guanyin Su orchid, you can also carry out moderate propagation.

II. Propagation Methods for Guanyin Su Orchid

1. Seed Propagation

When sowing, the seeds need to be germinated with orchid fungus. Soak the seeds in a culture flask containing culture medium, then place it at a temperature of 25°C. After the seeds sprout and are exposed to light, they can form protocorms, after which they can be transplanted for growth.

2. Division Propagation

Choose a suitable mother plant of Guanyin Su, then separate part of the root system and remove it. Carefully cut off rotten roots and withered leaves, clean the roots with water, and after drying them in a cool, ventilated spot, they can be potted up. Since the division comes with roots, the small plants separated out can grow normally in about a week.

III. Prevention and Control of Common Pests and Diseases

1. Scale Insects

The most common pest of Guanyin Su orchid is scale insects. Under poor light and ventilation and excessive watering, it is most vulnerable to scale insect damage. When pests are found, they need to be killed promptly; spraying an appropriate amount of omethoate solution can kill and control them.

2. Southern Blight

Guanyin Su is very prone to southern blight during the plum rain season. After infection, the already contaminated potting soil should be replaced promptly, then lime powder sprinkled on for disinfection. Normally, light exposure and ventilation need to be increased, and good drainage of the potting medium maintained, to prevent the disease.