TheNaturePlanet

Orchids, also known as "Phalaenopsis", are native to tropical southern Asia and Oceania and are now widely distributed in Asia. They are named for their flowers that resemble flying butterflies. Cattleyas and Dendrobiums all belong to the orchid family.

The flowers of orchids are fan-shaped or butterfly-shaped. The edges of the petals are wavy or serrated. They come in a rich variety of colors and different sizes. The leaves are thick and ribbon-shaped, in a deep green color, and have extremely high ornamental value.

Orchids bloom from late winter to spring, and some can bloom again in autumn. The viewing period lasts for 2 to 3 months. They symbolize perseverance and courage. In the West, they are the flowers for Father's Day. Purple orchids represent "No matter where in the world, I sincerely wish you all the best", and they also symbolize elegance, nobility, and happiness.

Soil Cultivation and Maintenance

Planting Medium: Use a mixed planting medium of bark pieces, sphagnum moss, coconut coir, perlite, etc. It is best to mix bark pieces, sphagnum moss, and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1 to ensure good air permeability, drainage, and fertilizer retention.

Lighting: Orchids prefer semi-shaded environments. In spring and autumn, place them in a location with scattered light and let them receive 3 to 4 hours of light per day. In summer, provide 70% shading. In winter, increase the amount of light.

Watering: Follow the principle of "watering when the soil is dry and then thoroughly". Insert your finger 2 to 3 centimeters into the planting medium. If it feels dry, water the plant. Water once every 2 to 3 days in spring, once every 1 to 2 days in summer, once every 3 to 4 days in autumn, and once every 5 to 7 days in winter. When watering, make sure to soak the soil thoroughly.

Fertilization: Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer every 10 to 15 days during the growing season. Increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before the flowering period. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.

Hydroponic Cultivation and Maintenance

Plant: Select a transparent glass container. Wash the soil off the roots of the orchid, remove the bad petals and leaves, cut the roots at a 45-degree angle, and let the flowers wake up in deep water for 4 to 6 hours. Cut the roots at an angle again, remove the excess leaves, and maintain them in shallow water at a depth of one-third of the root length. Add a preservative to inhibit bacteria.

Water Quality: Use pure water or tap water that has been left standing for 2 to 3 days. The water temperature should be similar to the room temperature. Change the water every 3 to 5 days to ensure the water is clean. If there are signs of root rot, cut off the affected parts in time and disinfect them.

Nutrient Solution: Add 5 to 10 drops of a special nutrient solution when changing the water during the growing season. Increase the application of a nutrient solution high in phosphorus and potassium during the flowering period. Reduce the amount of the nutrient solution or stop using it in winter.

Lighting and Temperature: Similar to soil cultivation, orchids require sufficient scattered light. The suitable temperature is between 15°C and 28°C. Pay attention to keeping them warm in winter.

Daily Precautions

Regularly check the orchid for diseases and pests. In case of red spider mites or scale insects, you can wipe them off with a damp cloth or spray a special insecticide. When the air is dry, frequently spray water around the plant to increase the air humidity, but do not spray water directly onto the flowers.