The Sanqiu Shu orchid is quite poetic, and its care requires attention to potting medium and watering
Sanqiu Shu is the name of a cultivar in the appreciation of Chinese orchids (guolan). Judging by the name, it has a distinctly scholarly air, and it is often understood as taking its meaning from Zheng Banqiao's famous line, "cut the superfluous and simplify, like a tree in late autumn", using the imagery of the sparse, uncluttered trees of deep autumn to describe the fresh, crisp quality of the orchid leaves and their upright, resolute bearing. Like traditional famous cultivars, this kind of naming conveys both the characteristics of the plant itself and the aesthetic tastes of those who appreciate orchids.
It should be noted that the same cultivar name may not correspond to entirely identical plants in the records of different orchid growers and different periods. For details such as leaf shape, flower color and flowering period, it is advisable to rely on the actual plant and reliable references. Comparing and learning more before buying is more prudent than making a judgment based on the name alone.
In terms of care, Sanqiu Shu has broadly the same requirements as ordinary Chinese orchids. The potting medium should be loose, breathable and slightly acidic; before use it is best to process it a second time, sifting out dust and impurities to reduce the risk of root rot. Watering is famously said to take three years to master; it must be handled flexibly according to the season, the weather and how wet or dry the potting medium is, and on the whole it is better to keep things slightly dry than too wet.
In routine management, it is important to keep the environment well ventilated and the light soft. In spring and autumn, more diffused light can be given, while in midsummer, appropriate shading should be provided. Repotting and dividing should preferably be done after flowering or in spring and autumn. During the operation, protect the orchid roots and new shoots carefully, and during the acclimatization period move the plant and fertilize it less; once new roots grow, the orchid will naturally and steadily recover its growth.
