A new method of fertilizing orchids: using the IV drip method to fertilize orchids

OrchidsCultivation：OrchidsA new method of fertilizing orchids——the IV drip method

1. Method of operation. Use a discarded hospital IV bottle, put the nutrient solution prepared as required into the bottle, insert the IV tube, and hang it upside down (higher than the pot surface). Insert the needle at the other end into the orchid's pseudobulb (for a pot of orchids, as long as they are clustered shoots, any one plant can be chosen for inserting the needle, and the entire pot of orchids can receive nutrient supply). The supplied nutrient solution passes from the IV bottle through the IV tube and needle, slowly seeping into the plant tissues, achieving the purpose of fertilization.

2. Requirements for the nutrient solution. The types of nutrient solution used for fertilization by the "IV drip method" are mainly determined according to the purpose of fertilization. For general routine fertilization, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other trace element chemical fertilizers 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, the Meihui brand orchid hydroponic nutrient solution from Shaoguan, Guangdong, as well as Jialanbao, root-promoting agent, sprout-promoting agent, etc., and amino acids, glucose solution, sucrose solution, etc. can also be used.

The concentration requirement for the nutrient solution is very low, generally 0.01% to 5%. The concentration of major elements 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 simply be diluted and used as required. If a self-prepared nutrient solution is mainly supplying cations, the solution should be adjusted to slightly alkaline; if it is mainly supplying anions, the solution should be adjusted to weakly acidic, so as to improve the nutritional effect.

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