Some views on spraying orchids
Core introduction: The content about orchidaceae, some views on spraying orchids, let's take a look together!
Orchid spraying, also known as foliar watering, involves using a spray bottle to wet the upper and lower surfaces of the orchid leaves with water, allowing the water to flow into the heart of the bud. This practice is quite common. In fact, there are many nuances to watering, and we will explore some of them below.
I. Timing of foliar watering
After the sun sets or when the orchid leaves are not exposed to sunlight, you can use a spray bottle to moisten the leaves. The main function is to replenish the water lost from the leaves during the day. You can spray 1-3 times depending on the situation, such as at 17-18 hours, 22-23 hours, or 6-7 hours. Of course, the time and frequency depend on the growth of the new buds and can be adjusted flexibly. Foliar watering mainly mimics the dew formation on the leaves from the night clouds and fog in the mountains, allowing the leaves to absorb moisture. This is the main reason why orchids can survive without rain for a long time in the mountains.
II. Is foliar watering necessary for orchids
(1) To understand this question, you need to consider whether the orchid is short of water, the water absorption characteristics of the orchid, and environmental factors to determine the need for foliar watering.
The main source of water replenishment for orchids is from the roots, followed by the absorption of dew from the night clouds and fog. However, due to the different types and natures of orchids, it is not necessarily required to water the leaves. For example, Cymbidiums have thick and strong roots with long and thin leaves, which are drought-resistant. Therefore, if the new buds are growing normally, there is no need to water the leaves. However, Cattleyas have broad leaves and fewer roots, prefering shady and humid conditions. If the leaves are curly or the new buds stop growing, foliar watering is needed. Thus, you should decide whether to water the leaves based on the type of orchid and the growth of the new buds.
III. Why does foliar watering sometimes cause rotten buds
(1) The water quality must be clean: Unclean water contains bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes. Frequent foliar watering can easily cause leaf infections and diseases. Therefore, tap water, cool boiled water, or reverse osmosis water can be used for foliar watering. Also, when using homemade organic liquid fertilizer, it should be sterilized with pesticides before use to avoid disease infection.
(2) If the environment is humid, hot, and poorly ventilated, it is not suitable for foliar watering, as the water does not dry easily. The water forms a thin film on the leaves, preventing the evaporation of water from the stomata, and the roots cannot absorb water, leading to physiological obstacles and causing root rot. Therefore, after foliar watering, observe the leaves. If they dry within 10 minutes, you can water the leaves. If the leaves are still wet after 2 hours, it indicates a high humidity environment and is not suitable for foliar watering. Pay attention to ventilation.
IV. Details determine success or failure
(1) Growing orchids is a systematic project with interconnected steps. A failure in one detail can lead to the failure of the entire orchid cultivation. For example, I once used homemade organic liquid fertilizer to grow orchids, but after fertilizing, the orchids got sick and the buds rotted. However, I noticed that the Yung Wei Orchid Garden also used organic liquid fertilizer without causing disease. After reading the posts, I learned that they sterilize the fertilizer with pesticides before use, which solved the problem of disease caused by organic liquid fertilizer. Therefore, many problems can arise during the cultivation process, and it is necessary to think about what problems the orchids are facing and how to address them. Of course, the technical aspects of orchid cultivation are as follows:
1. Growing good orchids = good environment × good technique.
2. Good environment (growing period) = appropriate (light × temperature × humidity × ventilation × day-night temperature difference) × (months).
3. Good technique = 1. Temperature and humidity management × 2. shading management × 3. planting materials × 4. watering management × 5. fertilizing management × 6. pest and disease management × 7. others (such as introduction of species, etc.).
V. Improper watering can lead to adverse consequences. Whether foliar watering is needed depends on the growth of the orchid's new buds. Of course, in hot and dry summer environments, where orchids quickly lose water, causing physiological obstacles and resulting in僵芽, the most effective method is to change the environment to one suitable for orchid growth. If the environment cannot be changed, only by increasing watering frequency or foliar watering can help, but both carry risks. For example, increasing watering frequency can cause the planting materials to become too wet, affecting water vapor exchange and causing root rot. Therefore, if the leaf tip has black water stains, it indicates excessive watering leading to root rot. In addition, improper foliar watering can also cause bud rot. Thus, it is important to adjust based on the environment and type of orchid. As long as the orchid does not rot and the new buds grow normally, the management is correct.
VI. Conclusion
Watering orchids should be determined based on the environment, type of orchid, planting materials, and the change of seasons from spring to winter. The methods of watering can be divided into normal watering, foliar watering, immersion watering, etc. The speed and interval rhythm of watering depend on the orchid's water consumption and the size of the pot. For example, in winter, when water consumption is low, it may be necessary to water once a week or every half month. In summer, with high temperatures and rapid water evaporation, it may be necessary to water once a day or spray foliar water three times at night. Whether the watering is appropriate or not will be reflected in the growth of the new buds. If the new buds can grow normally, mature, and bloom, it indicates the correct watering method. Improper watering can lead to the cessation of new bud growth or bud and root rot. Therefore, it is important to learn from failures in actual watering experience, adjust the watering methods, and only then can you grow orchids well. Thus, there are no fixed patterns to follow in orchid watering, only by constantly adjusting can you find the right path.
There are no fixed methods in growing orchids. Different orchids, different environments, and different management methods. As long as the new buds can grow normally without disease, it is the most correct management method.
The above is the full content of some views on spraying orchids, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!