Orchid varieties are diverse, and their fertilization methods differ

Orchids belong to the tropical and subtropical epiphytic orchids, and are today a popular high-end indoor ornamental flower worldwide. They have large, brightly colored flowers, peculiar flower shapes, a flowering period of several months, and do not need soilcultivation, nor do they need organic fertilizer (only spraying a chemical fertilizer solution is sufficient). They are clean and hygienic, have many varieties (can be divided into 7 major categories totaling more than 500 varieties), are suitable for indoor cultivation, and both flowers and leaves have extremely high ornamental value. In recent years, various regions of our country have introduced orchidscultivationand propagation to supply the market, and the orchid market prospects are very promising. Orchid flowershave many varieties and different fertilization methods. The fertilization techniques for orchids are introduced as follows: Paphiopedilum Paphiopedilum needs relatively little fertilizer, and generally only needs fertilization during the growth period. After new shoots sprout in the growing season, a dilute cake fertilizer solution can be applied once every 3 to 4 weeks, or a small amount of Huaxian granular flower fertilizer can be evenly applied around the pot, which can make the leaves lush and the flowers bright. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period so that it can fully rest. CymbidiumCymbidiumCymbidiumCymbidiumFertilization can use 3 methods: first, mix the fertilizer in proportion with the growing medium for its growth and development; second, dilute the prepared fertilizer into a solution and pour it into the growing medium in several applications; third, make the prepared fertilizer into solid granules or fertilizer blocks and place them on the pot surface. In seasons with sufficient sunlight, more fertilizer should be applied to ensure the needs of vigorous orchid plant growth, while in dark, cold, or rainy weather, fertilization should be reduced, or no fertilizer should be applied at all. Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis needs relatively little fertilizer, and generally the principle of “light fertilizer, small amount, frequent application” should be followed. The main points are as follows: spring and summer are the vigorous growth period, and a dilute solution mainly of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied once a week; autumn and winter are the flower stem growth period, and a dilute liquid fertilizer mainly of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied once every 10 to 14 days. A 0.5% superphosphate aqueous solution can also be applied; after budding, fertilization should be stopped, otherwise the buds are likely to drop early. Dendrobium Dendrobium likes fertilizer but should be given light fertilizer and applied frequently. During the seedling stage, a dilute fertilizer solution with relatively high nitrogen content is suitable, with a concentration of 20% as appropriate, applied once a week. After the seedling stage, the plant grows faster, and a dilute liquid fertilizer with relatively complete nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients can be applied once every 2 weeks, with a concentration of 20% as appropriate. When fertilizing, it must not splash onto the leaves. Large-floweredCymbidiumLarge-flowered Cymbidium is the type among variousorchidsthat likes fertilizer the most. During the vigorous growth period, a dilute fertilizer solution should be applied once every two weeks (cake fertilizer solution is also acceptable), or solid granular fertilizer can be placed in the substrate at the edge of the pot in spring and summer to slowly release nutrients for long-term absorption by the root system. During the seedling stage and low-temperature seasons, organic fertilizer should be applied less or not at all, and a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer with a ratio of 7:6:19 can be used for foliar spraying, with very good results. Cattleya Only with appropriate and timely fertilization can Cattleya seedlings grow robustly and the flowers be brightly colored and beautiful. The methods are as follows: 1. Light fertilizer is suitable. Its concentration is generally 50% to 80% of flower fertilizer. Fertilization can be carried out 1 week after new shoots emerge, and seedlings should adhere to the principle of “small amount, frequent application.” 2. During the growth period, a fully decomposed extremely dilute cake fertilizer solution can be applied once every 10 to 15 days. When fertilizing, note that it must not be applied to the leaves or tender shoots. A few grains of fermented extremely dilute cake fertilizer can also be evenly placed around the pot each month for absorption. 3. For orchid plants that have reached flowering age, during the flower bud differentiation period, appropriately more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied to nourish the roots and support flowering, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and promote firm leaves.