The correct method of fertilizing orchids, what kind of fertilizer to use, and how to fertilize orchids properly, as well as choosing the right fertilizer.

The Correct Method of Fertilizing Orchids and What Type of Fertilizer to Use

Today's sharing: the correct method of fertilizing orchids and the type of fertilizer to use in the field of green plants and flowers. Next, the site editor will introduce to netizens.

The Correct Method of Fertilizing Orchids and What Type of Fertilizer to Use

Orchids are known for their adaptability and ease of care, so fertilizing them on the balcony is not a difficult task. It is enough to fertilize them reasonably at different growth stages without applying concentrated or frequent fertilizers. To prevent diseases in the orchid's heart leaves, pseudobulbs, and orchid buds, it is necessary to pay attention to and guard against soil, water, lighting, and ventilation.

How to Fertilize Orchids on the Balcony

1. Fertilizing Time

Fertilizing orchids usually depends on their different growth stages. Generally, before the flower bud differentiation in spring, which is the fastest growing period for orchids, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is used.

Near the flower bud differentiation stage, a phosphorus-rich fertilizer is preferred. Then, in autumn, a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is recommended. In winter, when orchids enter a dormant state, decomposed organic fertilizer can be applied as winter fertilizer. Alternatively, half of the leaf mold soil can be replaced to meet the storage of winter fertilizer.

2. Fertilizing Concentration

Orchids do not require high fertilizer. Whether fertilizing in spring and summer or autumn and winter, whether liquid or solid fertilizers, a properly diluted thin fertilizer is the main choice to avoid excessive leaf growth and affect flowering.

3. Fertilizing Frequency

Orchids are originally wild and can grow and bloom naturally in the leaf mold soil of sparse forests. Therefore, in terms of fertilizing, if the potting soil is fertile and has been fertilized with a base fertilizer, the frequency of subsequent fertilizing does not need to be too frequent, once a week at most, and it must be a thin fertilizer.

4. Fertilizing Method

There are liquid and solid fertilizing methods for orchids. However, regardless of the method used, it is not suitable to apply concentrated or frequent fertilizers, but rather to use thin fertilizers and not too frequent.

What Type of Fertilizer is Good for Fertilizing Orchids at Home

One, Organic Fertilizer

Many orchid enthusiasts rarely use inorganic fertilizers. They usually use more nutrient-rich substrates when potting or mix a small amount of fully fermented and decomposed organic fertilizer into the substrate. This can improve the soil's pH and provide the plant with abundant nutrients.

During the plant's growth period, it is often supplemented with nutrients such as fermented sheep manure, rabbit manure, and soybean cake, or fermented cake fertilizer. Diluting with water every half a month and watering into the pot can make the plant grow vigorously.

Two, Inorganic Fertilizer

Inorganic fertilizers are clean and hygienic to use, but they can easily cause root burning if the concentration of the fertilizer solution is not properly controlled.

It is best to alternate with organic fertilizers. The inorganic fertilizers commonly used for orchids include urea, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and compound fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

In spring, when new leaves are growing, fertilizers rich in nitrogen are mainly used. A small amount of urea or a compound fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content can be diluted with water to supplement the orchid.

Before the orchid blooms, stop using nitrogen fertilizers and apply 1-2 times of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote flower bud differentiation.

Three, Slow-release Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer is commonly used for orchid care. It is simple to use and has a long-lasting effect, requiring no frequent fertilizing and usually not causing root burning.

When using slow-release fertilizer for orchids, the fertilizer can be placed at the edge of the potting soil, and after watering, the nutrients will be transported to the roots for absorption by the plant.

To increase the nutrient content of the growing medium, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer can be added to the substrate when potting. This way, there is no need to supplement the fertilizer frequently.

The above is a comprehensive explanation of the correct method of fertilizing orchids and the type of fertilizer to use. I hope it can help you.