The knowledge of watering orchids

Potted orchids, whether planted in the open or in a greenhouse, need to keep their roots and plants moist all the time. Even though the leaves of most orchids are thick and waxy, and there are pseudo-bulbs that store water, they can adjust themselves without dying during drought, but when they are at peace, the false bulbs will shrivel and affect their growth. There are many kinds of orchids, different species and varieties have different requirements for water, and the water retention capacity of potted plants is different, so it is not easy to water reasonably.

Generally speaking, because of abundant rainfall and high humidity, Magnolia can boil water once every 2 to 3 days in summer and autumn and once in 5 to 6 days in winter and spring except for overcast and rainy days. On the other hand, when planting orchids in the north, the humidity is relatively low throughout the year; it is usually necessary to boil water twice a day, and to sprinkle water on and around the greenhouse or shade shed to increase the humidity of the air. Especially in winter and spring, when the wind is strong and the air is dry, we must insist on watering and moisturizing. It is necessary to heat up because of the cold weather in winter, but at the same time, we should try to improve the indoor air humidity and sprinkle water on the heating pipe regularly to produce the best indoor moisture.

When watering, we should also pay attention to the water temperature in winter, the lower water temperature will hurt the orchid plant, resulting in water quality decay patches. In addition, such as Phalaenopsis, Cartland and Dendrobium, if there is stagnant water in the leaf sheath or on the leaf surface when watering in winter, it will cause rotten heart or rotten leaves because it is not easy to evaporate. If it is found that there is stagnant water on the leaf sheath or leaf surface, it can be absorbed dry with strong adsorption toilet paper. The daily watering time is better before and after sunset in summer and autumn and around sunrise in winter and spring. This can prevent the hot high temperature in summer and the effect of sudden cold on blue ball in winter.

Li Shaoqiu, Hu Songhua