How to Fertilize Chinese Orchids? A Complete Guide to the Correct Method

Orchids share a common characteristic: their roots are thick and long with no fibrous roots, and orchid fungi live symbiotically within them. The orchid fungi absorb mineral nutrients from the outside and supply them to the plant; the root cells provide certain organic nutrients to the orchid fungi, and they depend on each other in a symbiotic relationship. They must maintain good coordination with each other in order to grow luxuriantly. If there are too many orchid fungi, they destroy the root cells and affect root growth; if there are too few or a lack of orchid fungi, the orchid roots cannot absorb enough nutrients. Using a substrate rich in humus for planting and supplementing with fertilizer is simply providing certain conditions to achieve a suitable coordinated balance between the orchid roots and orchid fungi, which benefits the growth of the orchid plant. Some people believe that since orchids grow in mountain forests and are naturally elegant and refined, they should not be fertilized. Generally speaking, if you use traditional soil to grow orchids and repot and change the soil every year, the soil contains sufficient nutrients and there is absolutely no need to fertilize. Especially for beginners, it is best to adopt this conservative approach and not fertilize casually, so as not to outsmart oneself. It is best to start studying fertilization only after gaining a fairly thorough understanding of the habits of Chinese orchids. However, if the substrate material used lacks nutrients, then fertilization becomes necessary. Fertilizers are divided into organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers. In mainland China, organic fertilizers are mostly used, while in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, China and abroad, chemical fertilizers are mostly used. When growing orchids in soil, there are two types of fertilization: base fertilizer and top dressing. Base fertilizer is mostly fermented soybean cake or cow dung mixed into the soil. In actual practice, base fertilizer is used sparingly, while top dressing is used more often. Top dressing usually involves soaking fertilizers such as water-diluted manure, soybean cake and sesame paste in water, fermenting for 3-6 months, then diluting with water before application, approximately diluting 30-50 times. Abroad, commercial organic fertilizers are sold on the market, such as fish fertilizer, bone meal and oil cake. Some are made into liquids to be diluted before use, and some are made into solid stick form inserted into the substrate for the plant to utilize. In terms of fertilizer comparison, in mainland China compound fertilizers are mostly used, containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Abroad, there are specializedorchid growingfertilizers, the more famous ones being Hyponex, Garden Life and Magamp K made in the United States; Long Flower, Long Flower-s, Plant Food and Green Life made in Japan; Stimafol made in the United Kingdom; and Aguasol made in Australia. In addition, there are fertilizers specially supplying vitamins and trace elements. There are so many varieties that they are too numerous to list. As for the method of fertilizing, "be diligent but light, and avoid sudden heavy applications." Persist in small meals more frequently, applying thin fertilizer many times. For example, with Hyponex made in the United States, the instructions say to dilute 1,000 times for use, but for Chinese orchids it must be diluted 2,000 times to be suitable. The best time to apply is during the peak growing season. Apply once every two weeks or so, and stop fertilizing during the annual dormant season. However, those managed in greenhouses can continue fertilizing without worry. There is also experience with thin and frequent application, but special caution is required. Fertilizing requires three observations: observe the seedling, observe the weather, and observe the soil. An old orchid book says: "Never suddenly fertilize a thin orchid, and never leave a fat orchid thin for long" (Qing Dynasty, Zhu Kerou), which is scientifically sound.