Detailed Guide to Fertilizing Orchids in Five Stages

1. Sprouting stage: Dilute nitrogen fertilizer proportionally, then dilute it another 8-10 times. Ensure fertilizer is present with every watering, and supplement with foliar spraying of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer 5-6 times per month. This ensures that orchid plants absorb fertilizer promptly after waking up, laying a solid foundation for sprouting. Fertilize frequently and lightly. 2. Spring growth stage: When the minimum temperature reaches above 12°C, apply nitrogen and potassium fertilizer in equal halves, diluted proportionally, as a root drench once, to prompt the mother plant's pseudobulb cells to divide rapidly and differentiate new shoots. This period is the golden season for orchid growth. Timely fertilization is crucial in the year's production. Do not fertilize too concentratedly and damage the orchid plants; strictly follow the instructions and slightly reduce the proportion. Homemade cake fertilizer and similar should best be used after experimental observation; do not rush. Because the content of such fertilizers is hard to determine accurately, losses are easily caused. Generally, diluting 500 times will not cause problems (not absolute). As temperatures gradually rise, new shoots rapidly expand; supplement with phosphorus fertilizer foliar spray. Maximize light exposure, fully mobilize the plant's physiological functions, and rapidly absorb and convert fertilizer. After fertilizing, carefully observe plant growth; if fertilizer damage is found, promptly irrigate or repot. 3. Spring vigorous growth stage: Since we recently applied root fertilizer proportionally, most potting media still contain some residual fertilizer, so it is not advisable to deliberately fertilize again; simply apply at 1/8 the proportional rate combined with watering. Spraying foliar fertilizer once every 2-3 days does not hinder the normal growth and development of orchid plants. For pure coarse media, one root fertilizer application can be added. 4. Stagnant growth stage. During this period, due to excessively high temperatures, most orchid plants stall in growth. Even if the current year's new shoots grow, they do so very slowly, while the parent plants are conceiving flower buds at this time. Therefore, spraying some phosphorus fertilizer is still needed to encourage the parent plants to produce flowers. 5. Autumn vigorous growth: During this period, the current year's new shoots basically mature into full plants, with a few semi-mature. After autumn, they can all grow into large, strong plants. The parent plants' flower buds basically emerge from the soil, and a few new strong plants occasionally show flowers. Those with flower buds should stop root fertilization, and halve foliar fertilizer as appropriate. Orchid plants without flowers can be given a proportional root drench of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once, ensuring the current year's new pseudobulbs are large, giving hope for blooming next year. 6. Winter dormancy stage: Orchid plants basically stop growing. Plants maintained on balconies or indoors still need a small amount of foliar fertilizer, generally 2-3 times per month, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, sprayed at noon on clear days. (Song Mingyuan)