The editor answers your questions about orchids, diagnosing and correcting orchid nutrient deficiencies. Let's follow the editor to see the specific content!
When orchids lack certain nutrients, it will manifest in their plants. Based on these manifestations, you can diagnose the nutrient deficiencies and take corresponding measures to correct them.
① Nitrogen deficiency. The new leaves are shorter and narrower than the old leaves, the leaf color is pale yellow, and there is a lack of luster. You can water the roots with potassium sulfate compound fertilizer or potassium nitrate compound fertilizer at a concentration of 500 times, and spray 0.2% urea solution on the leaves and backs of leaves in the evening. Every three to five days, spray three times in a row to correct.
② Phosphorus deficiency. The leaf buds grow slowly, take a long time to root, and the leaf edges are slightly curled. You can use a 2% calcium superphosphate extract solution, a 3% to 5% bone meal solution, or an 800-fold solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to water the roots, once every 10 days, for two consecutive times; and use a 600-fold solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, or a 1000-fold solution of Flower Treasure No. 3, to spray the leaves and backs of leaves in the evening, every three to five days, spray three times in a row to correct.
③ Magnesium deficiency. The old leaves turn yellow; the middle-aged leaves' tips and edges are yellow and curl towards the leaf surface (commonly known as copper edge). You can spray 0.5% magnesium sulfate solution on the leaves in the evening, every three to five days, spray three to five times in a row to correct.
④ Potassium deficiency. The leaf edges and tips turn yellow (first the old leaves, then the new leaves), then turn tan; the main lateral veins are thin; the leaves are soft and easy to droop; if exposed to strong light and low temperature, the new leaves will appear slightly dehydrated. You can first use a 0.5% potassium sulfate solution to water the roots and spray the leaves, or spread wood ash.
⑤ Manganese deficiency. Even with proper shading, there are sunburn-like spots, with spots in the spots, the flower buds do not develop; the leaves are dry and withered, losing their green color and luster. Neutral, calcareous, and sandy soils are more likely to show manganese deficiency symptoms. Use a 0.3% manganese sulfate solution to spray the leaves three times to correct.
⑥ Calcium deficiency. The leaf tips are hook-shaped (except for varietal characteristics). This is commonly seen in plants with acidic fertilizers. You can water the roots with a 1.0% lime solution once, or use a 3% livestock calcium powder solution to water once, to correct.
⑦ Iron deficiency. The leaf flesh of young leaves turns yellow to white, with necrotic brown spots in the middle veins, edges, and tips of the leaves. You can spray 0.5% ferrous sulfate solution on the leaves, once every three days, spray two to three times in a row to correct.
⑧ Zinc deficiency. The middle section of the bottom leaves shows a pure rust-like spot, gradually expanding to both ends of the leaves; the leaf stalk rings of new plants are明显 lower than those of old leaves. You can spray 0.1% zinc sulfate solution on the leaves, every three to five days, spray three times in a row to correct.
⑨ Copper deficiency. The leaf tips lose their green color, gradually turning grayish-white, and spreading to the entire leaf, growth stops. You can spray a 0.2% copper sulfate solution, every 7 days, spray two times in a row to correct.
⑩ Boron deficiency. The base of young leaves is injured, the leaf stalk rings are very brittle and easy to break, the number of flower spikes is significantly reduced, the flower buds bloom slowly, lack vitality, and the duration of flowers after blooming is significantly shortened. You can use a 0.3% borax or boric acid solution to spray, once a week, spray three times in a row to correct.
⑩ Molybdenum deficiency. Even without using plant growth regulators, new plants will be significantly dwarfed; old leaves lose their green color, leading to yellowing, withering, and necrosis. You can use a 0.1% ammonium molybdate solution to spray, once every three days, spray three times in a row to correct.
If you can supplement the missing nutrients based on the orchid's needs, making the nutrient elements of the plant relatively balanced, it will enable the functions of all parts of the plant to be fully utilized and coordinated, which is very beneficial for improving yield and quality.
The above content on the diagnosis and correction of orchid nutrient deficiencies is hoped to be helpful to you!