Before the tube seedlings are ready for potting, they must undergo a crucial acclimatization process. When the seedlings have grown three leaves, they are placed in an area with scattered sunlight, ensuring even exposure for approximately 20 days. This fosters robust growth, aiding the seedlings in adapting quickly to external environmental conditions after potting.
Potting:
The process of potting tube seedlings requires special care. Firstly, a small amount of water is added to the culture bottle. The bottle is gently shaken to loosen the solid culture medium. Using long forceps, the orchid seedlings are delicately extracted, minimizing damage to both the roots and leaves.
Once decanted, the seedlings undergo cleaning, sterilization, and air-drying. They are then planted in small, transparent, well-ventilated plastic pots with a 5cm diameter. It's advisable to plant one seedling per pot. The preferred substrate is sphagnum moss, with a small amount of perlite at the bottom for water permeability and aeration. Before planting, the substrate should be sterilized. The sphagnum moss should be neither too wet nor too dry; a simple test is to squeeze it with the hand, allowing it to release water moderately. During planting, the moss should not be too tightly packed or too loose. Tight packing impedes root permeability, while loose planting may result in unstable orchid fixation and excessive water absorption by the moss, leading to root rot. Planting depth should expose the base of the orchid stem. After potting, a 1500-fold dilution of carbendazim must be sprayed immediately to prevent disease transmission. Within 10 days of transplanting all seedlings, a 2000-fold dilution of imidacloprid should be sprayed to kill insect eggs concealed in the water grass.
Initially, place the potted seedlings in a greenhouse with relatively weak light (below 1000LX) at a temperature of 20–25℃. After 3–4 weeks, increase the light intensity to the normal level for cultivation (15000LX). Relative humidity should not drop below 80%. During this period, diseased leaves should be promptly removed, and water and fertilizer management, as well as pest control, should be adjusted based on plant growth.
Repotting (Continued):
Considering the growth of orchid seedlings, timely repotting is essential. When the flowerpot becomes densely populated with orchid roots, indicating that the potting mix is nearly exhausted, it's time for repotting. Typically, the first repotting is recommended 4–6 months after decanting, using a transparent plastic pot with an 8cm diameter. The second repotting is suggested 10–12 months after decanting, utilizing a 12cm diameter transparent plastic pot. During the repotting process, any damaged or diseased roots and leaves should be pruned. If the existing potting mix is still viable, it can be preserved, with additional mix added around the periphery, ensuring minimal disturbance to the orchid roots.
By meticulously adhering to these steps of acclimatization, potting, planting, and repotting, orchid enthusiasts can create an environment where these graceful flowers can thrive and enchant with their timeless beauty.