How to care for and water orchids in winter?

Recently, many orchid lovers have been asking how to care for orchids in winter? Although there are many types of orchids, their growth habits are generally similar, and the maintenance methods in winter are also basically the same. Orchid is a herb that is not cold-resistant. If the environmental temperature and maintenance measures such as watering and fertilizing are not properly controlled in winter, the orchid seedlings can easily be damaged. So how to care for and water orchids in winter?

1. Temperature control for growing orchids in winter

Orchids are herbaceous plants with poor cold resistance, so special attention should be paid to keeping them warm in winter. Especially in northern regions, once the temperature drops below 5℃, orchids should be moved indoors for maintenance. In contrast, the winter temperature in southern regions is mostly between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. Such climatic conditions allow orchids to receive low-temperature training outdoors for a period of time, enhancing their ability to resist the cold and facilitating their flowering next year.

Since the winter temperature in northern regions is often below zero, it is not advisable to imitate the maintenance methods of the south, otherwise the orchid will easily suffer frostbite. Therefore, the maintenance methods in different climatic environments should also be different, and we cannot completely copy the maintenance experience of others.

2. Watering interval

The frequency of watering orchids in winter should be determined according to the growing environment. Because the temperature is lower in winter, orchids grow slowly and water evaporation is reduced, so the soil will not dry out for a long time after watering once.

If the temperature of the maintenance environment is low, the number of watering should be reduced, and frequent watering should not be done when the soil in the pot is not dry. If the orchid is placed indoors and has heating equipment, the temperature is generally above 20°C, the orchid will grow normally and require relatively more water. Indoor heating causes water to evaporate faster, so the watering frequency can be appropriately increased.

When watering orchids in winter, it is best to do so during the relatively warm noon period, and avoid watering directly through the leaves to prevent water from flowing into the leaf core or flower buds, causing rot or falling of the flower buds. When watering, pour gently along the edge of the pot until the planting material is completely moistened.

3. Winter fertilization method

Many flower lovers are concerned about whether orchids need to be fertilized in winter. In fact, it is okay to apply fertilizer, especially for varieties such as spring orchids and cymbidium orchids that are in the bud formation stage and have a greater demand for nutrients. Even for orchids that are not spring-flowering, supplementing them with nutrients can improve their cold resistance and promote spring growth.

When fertilizing orchids in winter, it should be done in an environment above 10°C, with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as the main ingredients, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate. It can be diluted into a 1:1000 fertilizer solution and watered 1 to 2 times a month to replenish nutrients for the plants, improve their resistance, and make them grow more vigorously in the spring of the following year.

4. Increase lighting

Orchids prefer a semi-shaded environment and are usually placed in a cool and ventilated place to avoid direct sunlight, as strong light can easily damage them. However, after entering winter, orchids should be exposed to more sunlight.

The sunlight in winter is softer and the lighting time is shorter, which will not cause harm to orchids. Many orchid varieties are in the bud stage. More sunlight can help the orchids accumulate nutrients, making their flowers fuller and their leaves greener and more lustrous.

The above is an introduction to the methods of caring for orchids in winter. You can refer to them based on the local temperature and climate conditions as well as the orchid’s own situation.