Everyone hopes their plants can grow strong, and choosing the right watering method is crucial. Sometimes, we may have heard of some strange watering methods, such as using urine to water plants. Is it really feasible to water orchids with urine? This article will analyze this issue from multiple angles.
Understanding the composition of urine and its effects on plants
Urine contains nutrients needed by plants, such as ammonia, potassium, and phosphorus, but it also contains high concentrations of nitrogen and potassium, which may affect orchid growth.
Orchid varieties suitable for watering with urine
The orchid varieties suitable for watering with urine are usually Cymbidium, as they typically have strong roots, prefer acidic soil, and can tolerate a certain degree of salinity.
Pay attention to the dilution ratio of urine
When using urine to water plants, it needs to be diluted. Generally, it is recommended to mix 1 part urine with 9 parts water for the best results.
The benefits of using urine to water plants
The benefit of using urine to water plants is that it can provide nutrients to plants and also help prevent pests. In addition, using urine for watering can also reduce household wastewater discharge.
The drawbacks of using urine to water plants
If used excessively, urine can cause the soil pH to become too high, preventing roots from absorbing nutrients, and may even cause plant burning and death. Furthermore, urine contains some microorganisms and viruses that can be harmful to plants.
How to correctly use urine to water plants
When using urine to water plants, you need to pay attention to factors such as dilution ratio, watering time, and amount of water. It is also recommended not to use urine when growing orchids indoors.
What to pay attention to before using urine to water plants
Before using urine to water plants, you need to consider health issues related to excretion, dilution ratio, watering time, amount of water, and whether there are pests.
How to collect urine
To use urine for watering, you need to collect it. You can install a urine separator in the toilet and store the collected urine in a sealed container to prevent it from evaporating and breeding bacteria.
How to store urine
When using urine for watering, it may need to be stored for a long time. It is recommended to store urine in a sealed container to prevent evaporation and bacterial growth.
Who cannot use urine to water plants
Because urine contains some bacteria and viruses, some people should not use it for watering plants, such as those with kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses.
How to tell if an orchid needs watering
Yellowing, curling, or wilting leaves of an orchid, or a dry-looking soil surface, are all signs that the orchid needs watering.
When to water
Orchids generally prefer to be watered in the morning and evening because the temperature is lower and water is less likely to evaporate. At the same time, do not water during the hot midday sun, as water droplets can act as a magnifying glass and burn the plant.
How to water
When watering, you should first moisten the potting soil thoroughly, then water an appropriate amount. Orchids should be kept in a moist environment, but not overwatered.
How to prevent orchids from 'drowning'
If you water an orchid with too much water at once, it can easily lead to 'drowning'. You can use the method of frequent, small amounts of water, watering an appropriate amount several times separately.
Using urine to water plants is not suitable for all types of plants, and you need to pay attention to factors such as dilution ratio, usage method, and storage method. Choosing the correct watering method is the key to helping orchids grow strong.