How to fertilize orchids
Today, I will introduce a related topic about orchids, a member of the Orchidaceae family - how to fertilize orchids. The following is a detailed explanation by the editor.
Do not fertilize until new roots are fully grown. After several折腾, the orchid seedlings are in a conservative inhibitory state with weak resistance. Since the root wounds have not yet healed, they are highly susceptible to diseases. When cultivating, it is essential to use weakly acidic humus soil or general soil, and never apply base fertilizer. Due to environmental changes, the orchid seedlings slowly regain their functions in the moist substrate after being potted, but this is a relatively long period of acclimatization. During this period, the orchid roots, which have not fully recovered their function, basically do not absorb soil fertilizer and rely entirely on the nutrients stored in the pseudobulbs (G-Y) for the needs of roots, leaves, and buds. When the orchid mycorrhiza gradually forms, the hyphae are dense, creating a thriving environment for orchids, almost filling the pot, the orchid seedlings fully recover, their resistance increases, and a light application of fertilizer can be made. This process takes about 1-2 years. During this time, although no fertilizer is applied, the orchid seedlings still develop slowly and normally, as the nutrients produced by the orchid mycorrhiza basically meet the needs of the seedlings at this stage.
Do not fertilize if the orchid plant is not robust. During the fertilization period, if the orchid plant develops abnormally, new buds do not sprout, the leaves are gray-green, lack luster, and droop or have burned tips, indicating that the old roots are continuing to rot and new roots have not grown. In this case, do not apply fertilizer but only spray the leaves regularly with fertilizer to supplement nutrients. If it still cannot return to normal, the seedlings must be lifted, disinfected, and replanted in new soil.
Do not fertilize until new buds grow large. When the orchid seedlings sprout leaf buds, it indicates that the orchid mycorrhiza has initially formed, and new roots are gradually growing and starting to absorb (S-Y) nutrients. However, at this time, the new roots are still short and few, and their function is weak. To avoid affecting their development, no fertilizer should be applied. Only after the new buds grow to 15 centimeters high can a little fertilizer be applied.
Do not fertilize if the flower buds are not full. By early autumn, as the new roots become stronger and the flower buds start to sprout, if the flower buds are not full or even deformed, it indicates that the root function is still not vigorous, barely meeting the reproductive growth but not the nutritional growth. Orchids with insufficient vitality should not be fertilized and still need to supplement nutrients through foliar spraying.
Do not fertilize during certain seasons
Early spring: Although the temperature is low in spring, the orchid seedlings are gradually recovering from a dormant state with weak activity. Fertilizing at this time may leave fertilizer residues in the roots, which cannot be fully absorbed by the orchid, causing fertilizer damage.
Summer: When the temperature usually reaches about 35°C, the orchid seedlings are in a semi-dormant state, the nutritional growth slows down, and the root activity weakens. Fertilizing at this time is also difficult for the orchid roots to absorb and can easily cause fertilizer damage.
Winter: In winter, when the temperature is low, orchids enter a dormant period, flower buds enter the vernalization period, and nutritional growth stops, so fertilizing is not allowed.
Bad weather: Do not fertilize when it is raining or about to rain, as the fertilizer is easily washed away by rain and lost; also, due to weather changes, the root activity is relatively weakened.
Noon: It is advisable to fertilize in the morning or evening on sunny days. Fertilizing at noon when the temperature is high can easily damage the orchid seedlings.
What kind of fertilizer to use
Ripened farmyard manure: Farmyard manure is a good organic fertilizer, but it must be stacked and ripened for more than a year before application. This fertilizer solution can be diluted 10-20 times with water and applied near the pot edge, avoiding contact with the roots and leaves.
Chemical fertilizer: When applying chemical fertilizers, it is important to balance nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and strictly control the concentration. For leaf art seedlings, the synthesis of chlorophyll should be controlled, so nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied, nor should fertilizers containing manganese and magnesium (such as calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer), as these elements can accelerate the synthesis of chlorophyll. For flower art orchids, if large-petaled flowers are being cultivated, a moderate amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be added.
How to fertilize
Frequent and light applications: Orchids do not need much fertilizer during their growth period. For vigorous and healthy orchid plants, a light liquid fertilizer can be applied every 10-15 days.
Mainly foliar feeding: Foliar feeding not only supplements the nutrients of the orchid plant through the leaves but also avoids contact with the roots, preventing fertilizer damage. It is the best fertilization method for orchids. By坚持 foliar feeding every 10 days or so during the growth period, orchids can be well-cared for without the need to apply fertilizer to the pot. A solution of 1:1000 phosphorus acid potassium and 1:1000 boron fertilizer can be used, or aloe vera juice. Aloe vera contains a large amount of polysaccharides and amino acids, as well as more than twenty minerals, which can meet the nutritional needs of orchids. Moreover, the aloin in aloe vera can almost kill all bacteria and viruses, so there is no need to apply pesticides after application.
Mainly natural organic matter: Natural organic fertilizers have a comprehensive range of nutrients and do not require the application of other fertilizers. They are gentle on plants and have no side effects, while chemical fertilizers can easily cause the substrate to compact and become too acidic, leading to diseases.
(Source: China Garden Network)
Is the above content about fertilizing orchids clear to green enthusiasts?