How can tiger orchid grow fast (breeding and cultivation methods of tiger orchid)

Growth habits of tiger orchid

Tiger orchid, also known as ox tongue orchid, is an excellent foliage plant. Its leaves are broad and slightly curved, graceful and evergreen all the year round. The tip of the leaves is tongue-shaped, similar to the tiger ear, hence the name.

Tiger orchid is relatively easy to raise . Its flowering period is in August . It has umbels, yellow stamens, and white petals. We often choose a few pots to place indoors, which is very ornamental.

Because Tiger Orchid is native to southern Africa, it prefers a warm, humid and semi-shaded growing environment and requires slightly acidic sandy loam or peat soil. It has poor cold resistance and is suitable for semi-shaded in summer . The winter temperature should not be lower than 5 ℃. The following is a detailed introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions of Tiger Orchid.

Does tiger orchid bloom?

Tiger orchids do bloom . Their flower stems are relatively upright and usually emerge before the leaves. They are light green in color with red spots on the surface.

Its flowers are umbels with several flowers on them. Its involucre is similar to a spathe, and the flowers are relatively slender and white in color.

Its filaments are thread-like and its anthers are yellow. If you want it to bloom, you must ensure that it receives sufficient light.

How to cultivate tiger orchid

①Potting soil

Tiger orchid is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil. We can plant tiger orchid in a mixed soil of leaf mold, peat and coarse sand, which is conducive to drainage and ventilation .

②Light temperature

Tiger orchid likes an environment with sufficient light. If it grows in a shady environment for a long time, it will cause the leaves to become weak, affecting flowering and normal growth of the plant .

However, in the hot weather of summer, you must pay attention to shade and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. The room temperature for the growth of tiger orchid is between 15 and 20 degrees.

Moreover, the cold resistance of Tiger Orchid is poor, and the temperature cannot be lower than 5 degrees in winter. Otherwise, artificial heating must be used to overwinter. It can be moved indoors or in a greenhouse for the winter.

③ Watering

Tiger orchid likes a humid growing environment. During the growing period, the soil in the pot should be kept moist, but not too wet.

Avoid rain or waterlogging in the pot, otherwise it will cause the bulb to rot. This will hinder the germination of new branches and leaves, or even the whole plant will wither and die.

④ Fertilization

Apply compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium every half a month. Indoor foliage plants are suitable for using dilute liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium .

In addition to the trace elements necessary for plants, the Shuwei nutrient solution also contains a large amount of active molecules that can widen the root and stem ducts of the plants, increase the roots' ability to absorb fertilizer and water, and allow the plants to grow healthily.

⑤ Reproduction

Tiger orchid is often propagated by cuttings and divisions . Cutting propagation can be carried out in spring and summer. It has a fast propagation rate and a high survival rate. It is a common method for our family cultivation.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for division propagation. The small bulbs develop slowly and are generally divided every 2 to 3 years. When repotting in spring, take out the mother plant and break off the small bulbs for planting.

Precautions for breeding tiger orchid

Tiger orchid needs nutrients to grow. Fertilizer and water can be applied every 15 days. A little more fertilizer can be applied before flowering to ensure that the flowers bloom.

Water according to the different growing seasons, and ensure sufficient water in spring, summer and autumn . The best growth is between 10-12℃, and it should not be lower than 5℃ in autumn and winter. Pay attention to apply fertilizer and water every 15 days, and you can increase it before flowering.