Should You Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchids During Bloom
An introduction to whether you should fertilize Phalaenopsis orchids during bloom and the precautions for growing them, with detailed content to be shared next.
Phalaenopsis orchids are a relatively high-end type of flowering plant that can brighten up a space even outside of the Spring Festival. Many orchid enthusiasts cultivate them, and winter is when they develop flower spikes. Should you stop fertilizing once Phalaenopsis orchids have developed flower spikes? Not necessarily. Reasonable fertilization after the development of flower spikes ensures full flower buds, large blooms, and a blooming period of over 100 days, achieving the true purpose of cultivation. If you don't fertilize at all during the entire spike formation period, you'll truly be missing out!
Why Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchids After Flower Spike Development
There are three reasons why Phalaenopsis orchids need to be fertilized after developing flower spikes:
1. Phalaenopsis orchids are mostly grown in media such as moss, bark, and coconut bran, which do not contain nutrients like soil. Bark may have some nutrients, but due to its large particle size, the released amount is very limited and cannot sustain the normal growth of Phalaenopsis orchids. During the flower spike formation period, orchids require the most nutrients. Insufficient nutrient supply results in weak and thin flower spikes, fewer and smaller flower buds, and insufficiently upright spikes. After blooming, the flowers are small, the colors are pale, and the blooming period is short. Why do the Phalaenopsis orchids sold in the market have so many flowers on one spike, each large and beautiful? It's because they are also fertilized regularly during the flower spike period!
2. The blooming period of Phalaenopsis orchids is long, usually lasting at least 2-3 months from the first flower to complete wilting. From spike formation to wilting, it takes several months. With so many large flowers, it's easy to lack nutrients over such a long period. When the nutrient supply is insufficient, the flowers of Phalaenopsis orchids will wither early, and the blooming period will be significantly shortened. For example, Phalaenopsis orchids with sufficient nutrient supply can bloom for over 100 days, while those with insufficient nutrient supply may start to wither after about 60 days.
3. Insufficient nutrient supply not only shortens the blooming period but also affects subsequent growth. Phalaenopsis orchids with sufficient nutrient supply consume less during the blooming period, so the leaves remain green and thick after flowering, and new leaves can start growing soon. Phalaenopsis orchids with insufficient nutrient supply will consume a lot of nutrients from the leaves to bloom, resulting in yellowing and thinning leaves that take a long time to recover. Some orchid enthusiasts find that their Phalaenopsis orchids wither and die without rotting roots after flowering, which is likely due to excessive consumption during the blooming period, leading to "exhaustion."
Should You Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchids During Bloom
Why Some Orchid Enthusiasts Say Fertilizing After Flower Spike Development Causes Bud Drop
How to Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchids with Flower Spikes
Fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids with flower spikes involves understanding the principle of "frequent application of dilute fertilizer." Phalaenopsis orchids have aerial roots that are prone to rot and do not tolerate heavy fertilization, so fertilization cannot be done the same way as with other plants. Phalaenopsis orchids with flower spikes should be fertilized with more phosphorus and potassium, such as monopotassium phosphate or Flower多多 2. When applying this type of fast-acting phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to Phalaenopsis orchids with flower spikes, the concentration should be kept around 3000 times (ordinary plants use 800-1000 times, or even 600 times. For larger, robust Phalaenopsis orchid plants, a 3000-fold concentration can be used. For smaller, weaker plants, a concentration of 3500-4000 times can be used), applying every 10-15 days. Do not pour the fertilizer directly into the growing medium, as it absorbs poorly and can lead to root rot and bud drop. Instead, use a spray bottle to evenly spray the thin fertilizer solution onto the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchids and also slowly moisten the growing medium to allow the roots to absorb fully. If your Phalaenopsis orchid roots are exposed outside the medium, they should also be sprayed wet like the foliage.
When to Stop Fertilizing Phalaenopsis Orchids with Flower Spikes
Fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids with flower spikes as described above can continue until the first flower blooms. If you are concerned that fertilizing with larger flower buds might damage them, you can stop fertilizing just before they are about to bloom. This 3000-fold fertilizer solution will not cause a shortened blooming period for Phalaenopsis orchids, and as long as the time intervals and watering are controlled, the risk of root rot is very low. Note that when the flower spike is抽出 and the flower buds are large, fertilization must avoid the flower spike and avoid pouring fertilizer solution on the flower buds, only spraying on the leaves and the roots and medium. Some orchid enthusiasts fertilize with a 1000-fold solution directly poured on, and it's no wonder the roots rot.
The above is a detailed explanation by GreenEnthusiast.net about whether to fertilize Phalaenopsis orchids during bloom and the precautions for growing them, for reference only!