What is the best fertilizer for orchids
As one of China's top ten famous flowers, orchids are deeply loved by growers for their elegant temperament. To cultivate high-quality orchids with lustrous leaves and upright flowers, scientific fertilization is key. The differences in nutrient requirements at different growth stages and the selection skills of fertilizer types are both important factors affecting the growth quality of orchids.
Type Selection of Orchid Fertilizers
1. Quick-release Inorganic Fertilizer Application Plan
The scientific ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium directly affects orchid growth. During the growing period, it is recommended to use a compound fertilizer with a nitrogen-potassium ratio of 3:1, and switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizer before flowering. Dilute urea 200 times for root irrigation, and spray phosphorus potassium fertilizer (diluted 200 times) on the leaves once or twice a month. Avoid applying during high-temperature periods to prevent fertilizer damage.
2. Organic Fertilizer Improvement Plan
Bean cake fertilizer needs to be fermented for more than three months, and fish bone fertilizer should be sterilized at high temperatures. It is recommended to mix ripe organic fertilizer with planting material at a ratio of 1:5 and use it as a base fertilizer during pot changing in spring and autumn. When applying top dressing, bury it shallowly around the pot edge, keeping a 2cm safe distance from the roots.
3. Water-soluble Fertilizer Application Techniques
Select water-soluble fertilizers with an EC value of 1.2-1.5 mS/cm, and apply them in conjunction with watering. It is recommended to use the 'double watering method': first water with clear water to moisten the roots, then apply the fertilizer solution five minutes later. During the low-temperature winter period, use a 300-fold diluted solution.
4. Advantages of Slow-release Fertilizer Application
Specialized slow-release fertilizers use film-coating technology with a continuous release period of 3-6 months. Add 15-20 grams per square meter of planting material to avoid the stimulation of frequent fertilization on the roots. This is especially suitable for beginner orchid enthusiasts and the maintenance of premium orchids.
Advanced Orchid Fertilization Techniques
1. Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
Spring (March-May) focuses on nitrogen fertilizer, summer (June-August) avoids fertilizing to beat the heat, autumn (September-November) increases phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, and winter (December-February) applies trace element fertilizers. Combine with a monthly application of EM bacterial solution to enhance fertilizer utilization.
2. Response to Special Conditions
Apply a 5000-fold solution of gibberellin to promote root growth in the seedling stage, and spray a 0.1% boric acid solution during the bud differentiation stage. If the leaf tips become withered, stop fertilizing immediately and flush the roots with clear water three times to remove salt.
Master the 'four essentials' of orchid fertilization: fertilize according to the seedlings, apply thin fertilizer frequently, adjust measures to local conditions, and maintain acid-base balance. It is recommended to establish a fertilization record table to track the effects of different fertilizers. By observing and adjusting over 3-5 growth cycles, gradually develop a personalized fertilization plan to let orchids bloom in the most elegant manner.