Homemade Orchid Fertilizer
Scientific fertilization is a key step in the care of orchids to ensure robust growth of the plants. Homemade natural fertilizers not only accurately meet the nutritional needs of orchids but also avoid the soil compaction issues caused by chemical fertilizers, making them particularly suitable for gardening enthusiasts who追求 ecological planting.
Principles of Making Natural Organic Fertilizers
Peanut Shell Nutrient Base
After using peanuts, dry the shells in the sun for 3 days and then crush them with a stone mortar until they are the size of corn kernels. Mix them with pine bark in a 1:3 ratio for composting, cover with plastic film to maintain moisture, and turn the pile weekly to promote fermentation. After 45 days of decomposition, a potassium-rich substrate is formed, which can serve as a cultivation medium and continuously release nutrients.
Application of Vegetable Oils
Choose cold-pressed sesame oil or rapeseed oil, dilute it at a ratio of 1:500 to become a high-quality foliar fertilizer. The best time to use it is at the end of spring and the beginning of summer during the peak growing season, dilute it with 800 times water, and apply it no more than twice a month. The fatty acids produced by the decomposition of oils can strengthen the cuticle of the leaves and enhance disease resistance.
Legume Fermentation Technique
Fresh soybeans need to be activated in water for 24 hours and then slowly cooked over low heat until the skin cracks. Adding EM agents can shorten the fermentation period, seal the container leaving 1/3 space, and open the lid to release gas weekly. Fully decomposed soybean fertilizer contains abundant amino acids, and diluting it with 200 times water can promote bud differentiation.
Homemade Orchid Fertilizer
Bark Extract Solution
Collect naturally shed willow bark, crush it, and soak it in rainwater at a ratio of 1:10. After 7 days, filter the solution to obtain salicylic acid solution, which can be used for watering to promote root growth and can also be sprayed to prevent fungi. Using it with pine needles enhances the effect, forming a natural growth regulator.
Proper use of these natural materials can build a complete nutrient supply system. It is recommended to alternate the use of different fertilizers, observe changes in the color of orchid leaves to adjust the concentration, and reduce the frequency of application during the dormant period. Through continuous practice, the resistance and flowering quality of orchid plants can be significantly improved.