Detailed Explanation of the New Fertilizer Supply Method for Orchids: The Intravenous Drip Method

Orchidsgenerally have two fertilization methods. One is soil fertilization, that is, applying fertilizer or soillesscultivationnutrient solution directly to the soil or soillesscultivationsubstrate.Orchidsabsorb it through the root system, and then transport the nutrients to all parts of the plant. The second is foliar fertilization, that is, preparing chemical fertilizer or nutrient solution at a certain concentration and spraying it on the leaf surface; after absorption, it is transported to all parts of the plant. However, the above methods all have shortcomings such as serious waste and loss of nutrients, complicated operation, slow fertilizer effect, and environmental pollution. Below is an introduction to aorchidfertilizer supply method - the "intravenous drip method." This method has the characteristics of saving fertilizer, rapid fertilizer effect, being clean and hygienic, and being simple and convenient to operate.

① Operation method. Use discarded hospital infusion bottles, put the nutrient solution prepared as required into the bottle, insert the infusion tube, and hang it upside down (higher than the pot surface). Insert the needle at the other end into the orchid pseudobulb (for a pot of orchids, as long as they are connected clump seedlings, any one plant can be selected for needle insertion, and the entire pot of orchids can receive nutrient supply). The supplied nutrient solution slowly infiltrates into the plant tissue from the infusion bottle through the infusion tube and needle, achieving the purpose of fertilizer supply.

② Nutrient solution requirements. The types of nutrient solution used for fertilizer supply by the "intravenous drip method" are mainly determined according to the purpose of fertilization. For general routine fertilization, chemical fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other trace elements can be prepared into a solution of a certain proportional concentration for use. Various orchid-specific nutrient solutions sold on the market can also be used according to actual conditions. For example, Guangdong Shaoguan Meihui brand orchid hydroponic nutrient solution, as well as Jialanbao, root-promoting agent, bud-inducing agent, etc. Amino acids, glucose solution, sucrose solution, etc. can also be used.

The concentration requirement of the nutrient solution is very low, generally 0.01%-5%. The concentration of macroelements should be higher, and the concentration of trace elements should be lower.

The pH value of the nutrient solution directly affects the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the plant body. If a special nutrient solution is purchased, it can be diluted and used as required. If the nutrient solution is self-prepared, if the main supply is cations, the solution should be adjusted to slightly alkaline; if the main supply is anions, the solution should be adjusted to weakly acidic, so as to improve the nutritional effect.

③ Time of use. It is generally suitable to carry out during the vigorous growth period to promote growth. Sometimes it can also be carried out during the dormant period to improve the cold resistance of orchid plants and help them overwinter safely.