How to fertilize orchids? What fertilizer is best?

There are many people who like to grow orchids, but in the eyes of many people, orchids are not easy to grow. In fact, the main reason is that they are not grown according to the habits of orchids. Orchids need to be fertilized regularly and properly. So how to fertilize orchids? What fertilizer is best? Let’s take a look below.

1. How to fertilize orchids?

1. Fertilizer selection

Orchids need fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. There are a variety of fertilizers available for orchids, including liquid fertilizers, solid fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers . For beginners, it is recommended to choose a liquid fertilizer or solid fertilizer with a balanced formula.

2. Fertilization time

Orchids require a lot of nutrients during their growth period, so fertilization should be carried out during the growing season. Generally speaking, spring and summer are the peak growth periods for orchids , and the frequency of fertilization can be appropriately increased. During the winter dormancy period, the orchid's demand for nutrients decreases, so it is recommended to reduce or stop fertilizing.

3. Fertilization method

Mix the fertilizer with clean water in the recommended proportions on the instructions, and then use a spray can or watering can to evenly water the orchid. Be careful to avoid fertilizer burn on the orchid's roots and leaves. Water the orchid in time after fertilizing to help it absorb nutrients.

2. What fertilizer is best for orchids?

1. Nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizer is the basis for orchid growth, which can promote the synthesis of chlorophyll and increase leaf thickness. Orchids have a high demand for nitrogen fertilizer, but excessive application will cause the plants to grow too tall and affect flowering.

2. Phosphate fertilizer

Phosphorus fertilizer can promote orchid rooting, bud germination, and improve flowering quality and flowering period. Orchids have a moderate demand for phosphorus fertilizer, so just apply an appropriate amount.

3. Potash fertilizer

Potassium fertilizer helps to enhance the disease resistance and stress resistance of orchids, while also improving the quality of flowering. Orchids have a higher demand for potassium fertilizer, so the application amount can be increased appropriately.

4. Trace elements

Orchids also need some trace elements, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, etc. These elements play a vital role in the growth of orchids, and their deficiency can lead to various growth problems.

3. How to use orchid fertilizer

1. Liquid fertilizer

Mix liquid fertilizer with clean water in a ratio of 1:1000 before use. Generally, apply once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. For orchid varieties with fuzzy leaves, it is recommended to use a spray bottle to spray the leaves to avoid contaminating the petals.

2. Solid fertilizer

Mix solid fertilizer evenly with potting soil and apply. It is recommended to do it in spring and autumn to avoid damage to orchids caused by high and low temperatures. For orchid varieties with vigorous growth, the amount of fertilizer can be appropriately increased.

3. Slow-release fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly, which can extend the fertilizer's effective period. For orchids, slow-release fertilizer is a very practical fertilizer. You can sprinkle slow-release fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil, and then let the fertilizer slowly penetrate into the soil when watering. It is recommended to apply once every two months.

4. Organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizer is a natural, environmentally friendly fertilizer that is very beneficial to the growth of orchids. You can mix the decomposed organic fertilizer evenly with the potting soil and then apply it, or mix the organic fertilizer with water in a ratio of 1:10 and then water it. Organic fertilizer has a long-lasting effect, but it needs to be fully decomposed before use to avoid causing damage to orchids.

In conclusion, fertilizing orchids is a very important gardening task. Through reasonable fertilization, the growth needs of orchids can be met, the flowering quality can be improved, and the flowering period can be extended.