What is the best fertilizer for Phalaenopsis orchids
Below is an introduction to the best fertilizer for Phalaenopsis orchids and some small gardening experiences about Phalaenopsis orchid fertilizer techniques. Let's learn about it together.
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the important flowers for the New Year. They start to be widely available from autumn each year, and with proper care, the blooming period can last over 200 days. With proper care after blooming, it is relatively easy for Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom. Some orchid enthusiasts already have buds on their Phalaenopsis orchids, or have purchased Phalaenopsis orchids with buds, looking forward to the flowers filling the pot in winter and spring. To make Phalaenopsis orchids bloom smoothly, in addition to temperature, it is also necessary to fertilize properly, otherwise they may not bloom or may not achieve the desired effect. Pay attention to 3 small techniques when fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids, only with sufficient nutrients can the leaves stay green and not turn yellow, and the flowers bloom for over 200 days, providing a long period of enjoyment.
Why it is important to fertilize Phalaenopsis orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids have relatively small plants and it is not that easy to grow a new leaf, but they bloom very profusely, with a large branch of flowers lasting for one to two hundred days being common. Therefore, fertilizing should be paid attention to during maintenance, otherwise there will be fewer flowers, shorter blooming periods, and less vibrant colors. Especially during the bud formation period, insufficient nutrients can lead to unopened flower buds turning yellow and falling off prematurely. Some Phalaenopsis orchids, due to very weak plants and insufficient nutrient supply, easily die off after flowering.
Methods of fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids
There are two methods of fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids: adding base fertilizer during planting and foliar spray fertilization. Adding base fertilizer is only suitable for repotting or changing planting materials, while the most commonly used fertilization method for daily maintenance is foliar spray fertilization. There are two benefits to foliar spray fertilization for Phalaenopsis orchids: it does not easily damage the roots, and it is easily absorbed and shows results quickly. Therefore, to grow Phalaenopsis orchids well, some water-soluble foliar fertilizers should be prepared, as ordinary fertilizers are not very suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids.
Types of fertilizers for Phalaenopsis orchids
Like other flowering plants, after Phalaenopsis orchids finish flowering and start growing leaves, the fertilizer should mainly be nitrogen and compound fertilizers. In autumn and winter, when Phalaenopsis orchids start to form flower buds and prepare to bloom, the fertilizer should mainly be phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and compound fertilizers. It is currently a good time for Phalaenopsis orchids to form flower buds, and they should be fertilized with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers when the temperature is suitable. If possible, it is best to buy some special Phalaenopsis orchid fertilizers for better results. Because, in addition to the three major elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) needed for Phalaenopsis orchid growth, the demand for trace elements such as boron, zinc, and iron is also relatively high, which also has a significant impact on Phalaenopsis orchid growth.
What is the best fertilizer for Phalaenopsis orchids
Suitable temperature range for fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids are not cold-tolerant and prefer a warm growing environment. The suitable temperature for fertilizing should be between 15 and 32 degrees Celsius. Fertilizing should be stopped when the temperature is below 15 degrees or above 32 degrees. During the period of flower bud growth, the temperature should be kept between 18 and 25 degrees, and the temperature difference between day and night should not exceed 10 degrees. Otherwise, the flower bud growth will be slow, and even if the flower bud is large, it will not open or fall off prematurely.
Tips for fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids
1. Apply thin fertilizer frequently
The growth rate of Phalaenopsis orchid plants is slow, the roots are aerial roots, and they are not tolerant to fertilizers. Therefore, when fertilizing, the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently must be followed, otherwise it is very easy to cause problems. When fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids, the fertilizer concentration should be controlled between 3000 and 5000 times. For larger and stronger seedlings, a fertilizer solution of 3000 times can be used to supplement nutrients. For smaller and weaker seedlings, a fertilizer solution of 4000 to 5000 times can be used to supplement nutrients. Never use a fertilizer solution of 800 to 1000 times like other plants, as it can burn the roots and cause yellow leaves after just one or two applications. When the fertilizer concentration is controlled properly, you can fertilize once a week, which can ensure the basic growth needs.
2. Don't forget to spray the roots when fertilizing
When spraying fertilizer on Phalaenopsis orchids, attention should be paid to spraying both the front and back of the leaves as well as the roots. Especially when some roots are exposed outside the planting material, treat them as leaves when fertilizing. Because, in addition to leaves, the roots of Phalaenopsis orchids can also absorb fertilizers. When leaves and roots are fully covered with fertilizer solution, they can absorb more, which naturally leads to better growth and flowering ability. Some orchid enthusiasts only spray the leaves and not the roots when fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids, and the growth is not as good as that of the plants that are sprayed entirely.
3. Fertilize until the first flower opens before stopping
For many flowering plants, fertilizing should be stopped after the color of the flower bud is visible to prevent shortening the blooming period. However, Phalaenopsis orchids are different; they have a very long blooming period, and with proper care, they can bloom for 200 days without any problem. Insufficient nutrient reserve in the early stage can actually shorten the blooming period. Therefore, when fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids, do not stop fertilizing as soon as the flower bud is visible. Instead, continue to apply thin fertilizer frequently under suitable temperatures until the first flower opens before stopping fertilization.