Many orchid friends have planted orchids for many years, but they still haven't seen them bloom, so it is inevitable to have such a question: how long will it take for orchids to bloom? First of all, we should know what basic conditions are needed for orchids to bloom.
Then we can know how long it will take for the three forms of orchid seedlings to bloom.
As far as my experience in planting orchids and cymbidium in recent years is concerned, the following four points are essential flowering conditions for orchids:
1, seedling age.
It refers to the age of Lan Miao, but it cannot be simply divided by age.
For example, we often say that orchids should bloom, and the seedling age should be more than 3 years, so should the original seedlings.
But if the seedlings are separated from the strong orchid, the strong seedlings can still bloom for one or two years.
In general, young orchids with a seedling age of 2-3 years have higher flowering probability and better flowers.
2. Nutrients.
Orchids need to consume a lot of nutrients to bloom and seed.
If there is not enough nutrient supply during maintenance, it is difficult for seedlings to grow strong and it is not easy to bloom at this time.
Even if it blooms occasionally, most of the flowers are not straight, which will also affect the germination of orchid seedlings next year.
Therefore, we need fertilization to conserve orchids, especially the supplement of phosphorus and potassium.
3. Lighting.
Orchids, like most herbs, can't grow without sunlight.
Reasonable light can make blue seedlings more robust, more resistant to pests and diseases, and easier to bloom.
There is an orchid proverb in You Lan: orchids grow in the shade (where there is less light and leaves grow big), and flowers bloom easily in the sun (where orchids bloom more easily).
Normal orchids can't get less than two hours of light a day (including light leakage from leaves or sunshade nets).
4. Temperature difference.
Most Lanyou can do the above three points well, but why are there still many Lanyou who haven't seen flowers for years? The key is the fourth-temperature difference.
Orchids are mostly native to places with four distinct seasons, and they are hot in summer; It is cold when it should be cold in winter.
And during the day, the temperature difference between day and night is usually large.
On the one hand, this climate can make orchids get different exercises in four seasons, and at the same time, it can also make orchid seedlings avoid excessive nutrient consumption at night, so that they have more energy to promote flowering.
The favorite temperature difference between day and night of natural orchids is about 10-20 degrees.
Then, if the above four points are met, how long will it take for orchids to bloom? Here we divide orchids into three forms, and the flowering time of each form is different.
First, the original seedlings.
Refers to those orchid seedlings that germinate from orchid seeds in the natural environment, and usually have a root system with tumors (see the picture below). It will take at least four years for such seedlings to blossom.
That is, when we see the first orchid seedling, it will take at least three years to see it bloom.
Second, introduce seedlings.
It refers to those blue seedlings covered by old reed heads, or seedlings raised by eliminated old seedlings.
It takes two to three years for this kind of seedling to rejuvenate, usually it takes about three years to blossom, and of course it has a lot to do with maintenance and management.
Third, mature seedlings.
Most orchids planted in You Lan are mature seedlings of this kind.
If it is transplanted with buds, it will bloom after taking the pot (there are also flowers in the pot-taking period, supported by the nutrients of the mother seedlings).
Orchid seedlings introduced after flowering, if properly maintained, can be seen in the next year.
Since orchid seedlings need certain conditions for flowering, how long can the flowering function of orchid seedlings last? What we are talking about here is an orchid seedling, which can bloom continuously for several years.
Under normal circumstances, it is no problem for strong blue seedlings to bloom for two years in a row. What needs to be considered here is that it will still germinate blue seedlings as usual in the flowering year.
Two years later, there are more suitable seedlings on the same orchid plant. Unless you cut it off and plant it alone, it doesn't need to sprout again.
If the seedlings are too old, they will not bloom, and they will consume a lot of nutrients in vain, and they are more likely to get sick (because the resistance is gradually decreasing).
So generally speaking, every one or two years, orchid plants should be "slimmed down" to cut off those "eliminated seedlings" and old roots.
In this way, orchids can maintain strong vitality, whether it is sending new seedlings or flowering, it will be more smooth.