How to care for orchids in winter
A plant knowledge, introducing the cultivation of orchids, a member of the Orchidaceae family. Caring for orchids in winter can definitely bring you help. Let's learn about it together!
How to care for orchids in winter has an important impact on their growth in the following year. We cannot generalize about orchids and should choose different management methods according to different varieties.
Generally, orchids should be moved indoors to spend the winter, placing them in a sunny area indoors (such as a south-facing enclosed balcony). The wintering temperature for orchids should be between 5°C and 15°C. If the room temperature is too low, it will not have the effect of keeping warm, and if it is too high, it will also affect the orchid's dormancy.
Orchid enthusiasts should note that for cold-resistant orchids and black orchids, the room temperature should be slightly higher but should not exceed 15°C. If the room temperature is too high, the stem growth will be slow, the bud development will be poor, and it can easily cause the formed buds to wither and even die.
For the more cold-tolerant spring orchids, they need a period of about 3 to 4 weeks of temperatures around 0°C to help them complete the vernalization process. Only after vernalization can spring orchids bloom. Therefore, the wintering room temperature for spring orchids should be controlled between 3°C and 8°C for the most suitable conditions.
How to care for orchids in winter — watering
It is said that "it should not be dry in summer and autumn, nor wet in winter and spring," which is the experience summarized by predecessors in orchid cultivation. Orchids are mostly in a dormant state in winter and require less water, with the potting soil slightly moist to safely spend the winter. If the potting soil is indeed very dry, it should be watered with water at the same or similar temperature as the room temperature during the middle to late afternoon of sunny and warm days, making the potting soil slightly moist, but not too much water to prevent the potting soil from freezing or becoming too wet and rotting the roots. Rain or snow water is best for watering, and tap water that has just been released should not be used. If there is no rain or snow water, the tap water should be dried in the sun for one or two days before it can be used to water the orchids. When watering, water should be poured from the edge of the pot, allowing it to gradually flow to the roots until they are moist. Avoid watering directly on the leaves and the center of the leaf cluster.
How to care for orchids in winter — controlling fertilizer and increasing light
Orchids generally do not need to be fertilized during their dormant period. The soil replaced every one or two years when repotting usually contains sufficient nutrients, and no fertilizer is needed during the winter. However, spring orchids and cold orchids can be sprayed with a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on the leaves during their growing period. Additionally, in indoor environments, orchids can be exposed to more sunlight, and if there is not enough sunlight, artificial lighting can be used. Sufficient sunlight during the winter is beneficial for robust growth and flowering the following year and can also improve the orchid's ability to resist cold during the winter.
How to care for orchids in winter — ventilation and air exchange
Orchids prefer warmth and require good air circulation, especially in northern regions where indoor heating is used. Do not place orchids near the heating, and during sunny and warm days, open the windows for ventilation and air exchange, or place the pot outside in a sheltered, sunny spot to expose it to sunlight, allowing the orchid plants to absorb fresh air. For orchids placed on enclosed balconies, the windows should be opened to allow air circulation. When the temperature drops, immediately close the windows and bring the pot indoors to prevent frost damage to the orchid plants.
Preventing diseases and pests
If orchids are overwintering indoors or on enclosed balconies and the temperature and humidity are slightly higher, if any signs of disease or pest damage are detected, they should be promptly treated with the appropriate spray. Regular protective sprays should also be carried out, such as using Bordeaux mixture to spray the potting soil, the orchid plants, and the surrounding environment, which can prevent or reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests in the following year.
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