Effects of Shading on Nutrient Contents and Growth of Orchid Plants

Sophrolaeliocattleya and Cymbidium kanran had grown for 80 days from beginning of August on the shading level of 0,30%,60% and 90%.After moving the plants into 13-30℃ greenhouse,the flowering rate and flower stalk length were measured till the middle of next March.The results showed that,short leaves,pale green and burnt remarkably presented with no shade;the most nutrient accumulation level was at 30% shade,on 60% shading level especially 90%,the leaves were long,dark green with less nutrient accumulation. The difference of flowering rate was significant between each treatment,which was 30% shade no shade 60% 90%.The longest flower stalk length was at 30% shade.The comparatively strong sunshine was propitious to the nutrient accumulation and flowering in autumn cultivation of Sophrolaeliocattleya and Cymbidium kanran.