What is the best way to water my Chinese crown orchid?
The manner in which you water the Chinese crown orchid will depend somewhat on whether or not your plant is in an active growth phase. If so, you should apply water to your plant’s soil and, if the weather is warm, perform occasional overhead watering to allow the plant to absorb moisture through its leaves. By contrast, in winter, and when the weather is cool or wet generally, you should stick to watering the soil directly rather than including overhead watering as well. You’ll know your Chinese crown orchid needs more water if its roots and leaves become thin and dry or show discoloration. Chinese crown orchid receives too much water will look mushy and limp. You should grow your Chinese crown orchid in a pot and ensure that the potting mix you use has fantastic drainage. During the growing season, you’ll need to water this plant multiple times per week. However, each watering should drain quickly through the growing medium to prevent any standing water. The amount of water you give will change based on the size of the pot you use. Generally, pots that are a bit larger will need water less frequently, while smaller pots will have a slightly more frequent watering schedule. Rainwater and distilled water are the best kinds of water to use for this plant, and it is best if the water you use matches the temperature of the air as closely as possible.
What should I do if I water my Chinese crown orchid too much or too little?
Allowing your Chinese crown orchid to sit in soil that remains too moist for too long is one of the most common ways to kill this plant. While these plants need water frequently during active growth, they also need to live in a growing medium that drains water rapidly. When this plant experiences overwatering, it will become mushy and develop root rot. If that occurs, you should be prepared to use a pair of sterile pruning shears to cut out any roots that show signs of rot. After doing that, you should then repot your Chinese crown orchid, ensuring that the container allows for drainage and that you fill the container with a fast-draining potting mix. However, Chinese crown orchid doesn’t typically respond that well to excessive repotting, so it is crucial to get your watering rate right. Underwatered Chinese crown orchid will begin to shrivel and feel dry to the touch. If this occurs, it is likely because the soil is drying out faster than you expected, which means you should increase your watering frequency.
How often should I water my Chinese crown orchid?
During the active growth stage, which spans the spring and summer months, you should plan to water your Chinese crown orchid about once or twice per week while increasing that rate to three times per week or more in the case of long periods of hot and dry weather. In the winter, you will also need to water your Chinese crown orchid, but not nearly as much. A watering frequency of two to three times per month should be enough to keep your Chinese crown orchid alive during the coldest months. However, if you keep your Chinese crown orchid indoors during winter, you should account for the fact that indoor growing locations can cause the soil to dry quicker than usual, which may mean you need to increase the number of monthly waterings. You can use the fall as a time to gradually reduce your watering frequency from the summer rate of multiple times per week down to your reduced winter watering schedule.
What should I consider when watering my Chinese crown orchid in different seasons and growth periods?
There are two important growth phases that you should consider when planning the watering schedule for your Chinese crown orchid. The first of those periods is the active growth period, which happens in spring and summer, and which calls for watering this plant multiple times per week. The second important growth period is the rest period that the Chinese crown orchid should experience for about two to three months each year during winter. During that time, your plant will need far less water and fertilization than normal. Water about once or twice per month during this time. During the fall, you should begin to gradually reduce your watering frequency from multiple times per week all the way down to the once or twice per month rate that is appropriate for winter.
How should I water my Chinese crown orchid differently if I grow it indoors?
The Chinese crown orchid requires a growing environment that is relatively humid. Unfortunately, most indoor growing locations will lack the level of air moisture that this plant prefers. This causes the plant and its soil to dry out more quickly than it would when growing outdoors. To combat this effect, you may want to include a humidifier in the room where you grow your Chinese crown orchid. You may also need to water it a bit more frequently as well. However, while Chinese crown orchids do prefer humidity, they also require adequate air circulation as well, to prevent excessive moisture build-ups and the diseases that can result. Consider including a fan in the room where you grow this plant as well to ensure proper air circulation remains present.
Do I need to prune my Chinese crown orchid?
Far from damaging the plant, regular pruning will actually encourage Chinese crown orchid to produce more blooms. There are two primary forms of pruning for Chinese crown orchid. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Chinese crown orchid is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. When nature runs its course, Chinese crown orchid will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.
When is the best time to prune my Chinese crown orchid?
There are two primary forms of pruning for Chinese crown orchid. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Chinese crown orchid is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. Since Chinese crown orchid requires two types of pruning, you’ll be trimming your plants throughout the growing season. Pinching is most effective in the early spring before the plant develops any flower buds. Removal of yellowing or diseased leaves can be done at any time during the growing season. When nature runs its course, Chinese crown orchid will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. Finally, deadheading takes place as soon as the plants are producing full flower heads. Expect to take off spent blossoms from mid-summer through the first frosts of fall. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.
What tools should I prepare for pruning my Chinese crown orchid?
Chinese crown orchid doesn’t take much special equipment for pruning. A basic pair of scissors or garden shears should do the trick. It’s a good idea to ensure they are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden. Some gardeners avoid using tools altogether and merely pinch off the blossoms with their fingertips. That can be a faster technique, but you run a larger risk of bruising the plant stems or accidentally pulling them out of the ground completely.
Are there any instructions for pruning my Chinese crown orchid?
Here’s an overview of pruning instructions for Chinese crown orchid based on which of the two types you’re completing. By completing these two types of pruning over the lifespan of your Chinese crown orchid, you’ll encourage them to produce bigger, better flowers for far longer than the plants would otherwise. It only takes a few minutes to complete each step of the pruning process, and you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts for weeks to come. Deadheading Deadheading is a fast, easy way to refresh your garden by removing old flowers and providing space for new ones to take their place. You can use your fingers to pop off old flower heads as soon as they look tired, although you’re less likely to damage the plant if you use shears instead. When deadheading, make sure you cut well below the flower so that you aren’t left with a long, flowerless stem sticking out in your garden bed. Instead, cut the stem to just above the point where the side stem joins the main plant. Remove yellow and diseased leaves, this increases the ventilation and light penetration of the plant and facilitates its growth. When pruning, the leaves need to be trimmed off together with the petiole. It is best to use sterilised scissors to cut them off. Note: It’s a good idea to ensure scissors or garden shears are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden.
What are the best sunlight conditions for Chinese crown orchid?
The Chinese crown orchid is classically beautiful plant with great, long-lasting blooms as long as it receive proper humidity and sunlight. When these plants have the right amount of sun, their blooms will stay on for long periods and grow strong and tall as their leaves stretch outward. Orchids will develop a healthy greenish-yellow leaf color when they’re healthy, and owners might really appreciate the sheer number of flowers orchids will produce in proper sunlight.
What type of sunlight does Chinese crown orchid need?
Chinese crown orchid thrives in sunlight and need a minimum of six hours of sun daily. A few different Epiphytic Orchids may handle varying degrees of sunlight. While some orchids could withstand the hot heat of the afternoon sun, some orchids prefer shady light all day long.
Can sunlight damage Chinese crown orchid? How to protect Chinese crown orchid from the sun and heat damage?
Chinese crown orchid might be immune to the sun’s damage as long as it's given tons of humidity. However, some Epiphytic Orchids require shady light and plenty of airflow to protect their leaves and flowers from overheating. Gardeners should make sure they give their plants anywhere from 40 to 70% humidity to help protect their orchids from heat damage. If your orchid is in hot weather, owners could also mist the leaves to keep them at a cooler temperature.
Should I protect Chinese crown orchid from sun exposure?
If Chinese crown orchid gets too much sunlight, it will have growth issues. Too much sun might quickly lead to leaves with sunburn on them. This may also cause your orchid to dry out if they’re not provided with enough humidity and water to support them in the heat. Gardeners could protect their plants by placing their potted orchids behind windows with curtain shades. Indirect plants could sit right next to a window with a sheer curtain or a few inches away to ensure there is no direct sun. If you live in a tropical area, you could plant Epiphytic Orchids in areas that are granted shade, like under a tree or in places in your garden that receive indirect sunlight in the afternoon sun.
What will happen if Chinese crown orchid gets inadequate sunlight?
Epiphytic Orchids are home to many tropical regions, so they’re used to warm weather and plenty of sun and will develop issues if they don’t get enough sunlight. Sometimes these plants will respond by developing much more lackluster leaves that maintain a dark green color. Most often, when Chinese crown orchid doesn’t receive enough light, it will bud less altogether, and the buds on the plant will branch out further in between each flower. Also, if your plant isn’t getting its minimum amount of sun after enough time passes, its leaves will turn very yellow and fall off.
Does Chinese crown orchid need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
If you find yourself caring for a young Chinese crown orchid, you could provide these plants with extra humidity and light to help them grow tall and fast. Be sure not to give a young plant too much direct light, as this could cause younger and weaker leaves to burn. When the blooming season comes, orchid growers should ensure their plant is getting plenty of light to encourage more buds to grow. More light during the blooming season also means that these flowers should last longer on your plant. Once orchids land in a permanent location that provides great sun, humidity, airflow, and shade, they will grow tall and have the potential to bloom year-round.
How much light does Chinese crown orchid need for photosynthesis?
Chinese crown orchid needs at least six hours of sun to use the nutrients it get through sunlight efficiently. Even though Epiphytic Orchids need different conditions met, they all need between six to twelve hours of sunlight. Many experts agree that home growers should put its Chinese crown orchid on an east, south, or west-facing window, so the plant is sure to get the minimum amount of sunlight required. More sensitive orchids should be placed farther away from the window to allow more indirect light. Plant owners should also know that orchids are able to tolerate much more light and sun if there is sufficient humidity and air movement around, so the leaf temperature stays low.
What is the optimal temperature for Chinese crown orchid?
While both Chinese crown orchid and Chinese crown orchid require different levels of maintenance, they both grow best within the same temperature range. For warm-weather plants to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). Chinese crown orchid can handle some temperatures outside of this range, but if at all possible, keep your growing environment within several degrees of these limits. As for the highest and lowest temperatures Chinese crown orchid can withstand, that would fall between 50℉ (15℃) on the lower limit and 95℉(35℃) on the higher limit. As Chinese crown orchid prefers warmer weather, traditionally growing in summer if planted outdoors, the lower temperature range is the most important to avoid. Going below 70℉ (25℃) will result in slowed growth, and anything below 50℉ (15℃) will start to damage and even kill the plants.
Does Chinese crown orchid require different temperatures for different growing phases?
The Chinese crown orchid will not bloom or flower if kept in low temperatures, so make sure to maintain a consistent range to allow them to flower to their full potential. Temperature fluctuations are also harmful, no matter what phase of growth they are in. Going below 70℉ (25℃) and above 90℉ (32℃) can slow down and hinder Chinese crown orchid growing phase, while sitting below 50℉ (15℃) for long periods of time can prevent them from flowering all together. Chinese crown orchid is not hardy, and therefore need a well-turned environment to grow properly. You’ll want to retain as much control over the temperature as you possibly can. Chinese crown orchid will also need to go through a cool period, which we discuss further below.
Three tips for keeping Chinese crown orchid temperature under control
Tip #1: After Blooming, Chinese crown orchid Need a Cool Period When grown outside, Chinese crown orchid will go through a necessary cooling period for winter. When grown indoors or in a greenhouse, this same rule must be followed, but can happen during any season. If done correctly, your Chinese crown orchid can bloom multiple times a year. Keep your Chinese crown orchid between 75-90℉ (25-32℃) during this cooling period for the optimal effect. Tip #2: Chinese crown orchid Prefer it Colder at Night While you are likely going to grow your Chinese crown orchid, where you can keep them within the optimal temperature range and give them the right amount of light, Chinese crown orchid prefers colder temperatures at night when grown outdoors. This temperature range usually moves between 50~75℉(15-25℃). Due to the lack of climate control that growing outdoors involves, it's usually impossible to control if Chinese crown orchid stays within this range. Tip #3: Watch for the Signs of Cold Damage Because Chinese crown orchid enjoys the higher temperatures and lacks the hardiness of winter plants, it is especially susceptible to cold damage. You’ll want to make sure you monitor the temperature of your growing space closely. Anything below 50℉ (15℃) will begin to harm your plants, and too much cold exposure can kill them entirely. Watch for the signs that this damage is occurring: if your Chinese crown orchid starts to show discoloration on their foliage and stems, that means they are getting too cold. If large sections of your Chinese crown orchid are drying and turning brown, that means that the tissue is dying. Move Chinese crown orchid to a warmer environment immediately; in some cases, they can recover.
Does Chinese crown orchid need different temperatures for different seasons?
Unless you intend to grow Chinese crown orchid outside, you won’t need to worry about different temperatures for different seasons. If you can’t find space in your home or a greenhouse and you have to use an outdoor space, make sure that you grow them in the summer. You’ll also have to check that your area reaches, but doesn’t exceed, temperatures of between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). It can be nearly impossible to control outdoor weather conditions in that way, so it's almost always better to use an indoor space or greenhouse. Chinese crown orchid prefers as much sunlight as possible, so you’ll need to pick an area that gets ample natural light. A greenhouse makes this the better of the two options; these structures allow Chinese crown orchid to get the most direct sunlight possible while still maintaining the high temperatures they require.
What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Chinese crown orchid?
The best way to maintain the right temperature for Chinese crown orchid is to place them in a climate controlled environment. This can be a room within your home, provided you have A/C or fans to ensure that the area stays within the optimal temperature range. If you live in a colder region, you will need to make sure you have a quality heating system. Chinese crown orchid does best in a hot environment, so you’ll want to ensure you have the ability to heat a room to temperatures as high as 75℉ (25℃). If you can’t feasibly heat a room in your home up to those temperatures, you’ll want to consider placing your Chinese crown orchid inside of a greenhouse. A greenhouse can save you money on heating, as the structure is naturally heated when sunlight passes through its clear or opaque glass panels. This keeps the greenhouse at the right temperature, making sure that Chinese crown orchid is growing in the best environment possible.
Why do I need to fertilize my Chinese crown orchid?
Fertilizer, and soil nutrients in general, are an essential form of fuel that your Chinese crown orchid will use to maintain healthy growth. In general, plants use the nutrients they find in the soil to develop new plant material and keep their existing components in good condition. For the Chinese crown orchid specifically, fertilization is necessary to help this plant display the best version of its flowers. Since the flowers are the main form of attraction to this plant, most gardeners will want to do all they can to ensure the flowers appear in their best form. Fertilization is one of the most reliable ways to help your Chinese crown orchid produce the best possible blooms.
When is the best time to fertilize my Chinese crown orchid?
The Chinese crown orchid goes through two main phases throughout each year. The first phase is the dormant phase, in which this plant will put forth minimal new growth. This dormant phase takes place during the winter. The other phase is the active growth phase, which takes place during spring and fall, which is when your Chinese crown orchid will need fertilization the most. Generally, it is best to fertilize your Chinese crown orchid starting in the spring months. You should repeat the feeding about once per month throughout the rest of the spring and through most of the summer. As fall approaches, you can begin to reduce your fertilization rate.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Chinese crown orchid?
You want to support Chinese crown orchid growth, but you also don’t want to cause root burn. Your plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, it’s when the extra nutrients are necessary. In the fall and winter, your plant will enter its dormancy stage. It’s when you want to stop fertilizing.
What type of fertilizer does my Chinese crown orchid need?
The ideal fertilizer for a Chinese crown orchid is one that has a relatively balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly higher amounts of phosphorus. Alternatively, some gardeners choose to improve their Chinese crown orchid 's soil by adding organic materials such as compost, worm castings, and manure. Fertilizers can come in many forms, and most of these forms will work well for your Chinese crown orchid. However, some of the best fertilizers for Chinese crown orchid come in either a liquid or a powdered form. Regardless of which you use, you should ensure that you dilute your fertilizer and apply it while watering your Chinese crown orchid.
How do I fertilize my Chinese crown orchid?
Once you have found a suitable fertilizer and learned the ideal fertilization schedule for your Chinese crown orchid, you are ready to learn how to apply your fertilizer. When feeding your Chinese crown orchid, the most reliable method is to mix your liquid fertilizer with water before applying it to the soil. Each fertilizer may have different directions on how to feed your plants. Usually, it is best to follow the manufacturer's guidance on how to use the fertilizer they produce. These instructions should include information on how to properly dilute the fertilizer to prevent overfertilization. Mixing your fertilizer in water is an easy process, and once it is complete, all you need to do is pour the mixture into the soil where your Chinese crown orchid lives.
What happens if I fertilize my Chinese crown orchid too much?
Overfertilization is something that you should consider when caring for any plant, but it is especially important when growing a Chinese crown orchid. A Chinese crown orchid, when overfertilized, will show clear signs of distress, which, at times, may be so serious that they lead to the death of your plant. Overfertilized Chinese crown orchid will likely show leaf discoloration as well, including browning. In the worst-case scenarios, excessive fertilization will draw moisture out of your plant's roots, which can cause it to decline quickly.
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