How to fertilize orchids? Master these key points for better blooming

Although the roots of epiphytic orchids can absorb nitrogen from the air, proper fertilization is also very important for the growth of orchid plants, as it can makeorchidsgrow faster, the plants more robust, and the flower colors more vivid. However, improper fertilization, especially excessive fertilizer, can lead to root rot and, in severe cases, plant death. Therefore, mastering the key points of fertilization is an essential skill for anyorchid grower. Fertilizers can be divided into two major categories: organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers. The fertilizers suitable for orchids include the following: (1) Peanut bran - a commonly used farmyard manure. As an orchid fertilizer, it is first crushed and soaked in water to ferment, then the residue is scooped out and scattered on the surface of the potting soil for terrestrial orchids. The fermented liquid fertilizer can also be diluted with water 5 to 10 times and poured on as a top dressing. When peanut bran ferments, it produces a foul odor and mold grows on the surface, so it is not suitable for homeorchid growingand is only suitable for commercial orchid cultivation. In addition, various oil-pressed bran cakes can also be used instead of peanut bran. (2) Rice washing water - a liquid fertilizer readily available in any household. It contains a large amount of starch. After being poured on, the starch ferments under the action of bacteria and becomes organic nutrients for the orchid plants to absorb and use. Pouring rice washing water as a homeorchid growingfertilizer can be done once a week. (3) Compound fertilizer - a commonly used granular chemical fertilizer containing balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is especially suitable for pottedorchidsand can be directly scattered around the edge of the pot. Whenever water is sprinkled, it dissolves accordingly and slowly penetrates into the soil for the orchid plants to absorb. (4) Potassium dihydrogen phosphate - a solid fertilizer. Used as an orchid fertilizer, it can enhance disease resistance and make the plants strong and healthy. When applying, it can be mixed with urea and diluted 1000 times with water, then sprayed on the plants, which can achieve the effect of foliar top dressing. This fertilizer is especially suitable for epiphytic orchids, as it is absorbed quickly and takes effect quickly. (5) Hyponex - an imported hormone-type orchid fertilizer containing various trace elements and hormones. After spraying, it can promote the acceleration of the orchid plant's metabolism, making the plants stronger and more vigorous and the flower colors more vivid. However, this fertilizer is relatively expensive. Now some domestic hormone-type commercial fertilizers, such as Yemianbao, Nongyiqing, etc., can be used as substitutes. (6) Masamp - a flower-inducing fertilizer that promotes flower formation. After application to orchid plants, plant growth accelerates and flowering time is earlier. It is most suitable for commercial orchid cultivation. To achieve rational fertilization, mastering the application amount is very important.Orchidsgrow relatively slowly and do not absorb a large amount of fertilizer, so the principle is to apply frequently and lightly. The so-called light application means the concentration should be low, generally better at more than 1000 times dilution. Frequent application means once about every week is best. In addition, according to different growing seasons, reasonably emphasize different contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the vigorous growth period of spring and summer, more nitrogen fertilizer should be applied, and appropriately increasing the potassium fertilizer content gives better results. In late summer and early autumn, the orchid plants gradually mature. At this time, the potassium fertilizer content should be increased and the nitrogen fertilizer proportion reduced, in order to promote the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. When flower buds form, the amount of phosphorus fertilizer should be increased, which will benefit the differentiation and growth of flower buds. In winter, when the plants are dormant, fertilization can be stopped completely. Li Shaoqiu, Hu Songhua