How to Fertilize Dendrobium Orchids? A Detailed Guide to the Correct Fertilization Method
1. Conditions for Topdressing
First, make sure the temperature is between 15 and 30, as this is more suitable for topdressing. Outside this range, you need to be cautious. During the growing period, you can apply nitrogen fertilizer, and when it flowers and fruits, you can apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizer. Topdressing should not be done at noon in summer or autumn; it is best done in the evening when there is no sun.
2. Topdressing Method
First, dig open the soil around it, then put the fertilizer in, then fill the soil back and water it. If it is a water-soluble fertilizer, you can try dissolving it in water, then spray it on the leaves or water directly with it.
3. Topdressing Principles
Apply a smaller amount each time, and you can apply it more times.
4. Precautions
① It stops growing during its dormant period, and metabolism and photosynthesis are relatively poor. If we apply fertilizer to it, its dormancy will be broken, and it will be difficult for the plant to continue growing. In this way, the plant's nutrients will also be consumed, and flowering the next year will be affected.
② It cannot be fertilized while it is blooming either, otherwise the flowers and fruits will drop, and in severe cases the plant may even die.
③ Newly planted ones cannot be fertilized either, because they have many wounds, and after being stimulated it is difficult for them to heal, and the roots will rot.
④ Do not fertilize directly below its roots, as absorption and utilization will be more difficult. Apply it according to the plant's growth conditions in a place relatively far from its roots.
⑤ Do not apply concentrated fertilizer or raw fertilizer to it, otherwise it will wither and die, and there will also be a foul odor.
⑥ Pay attention to comprehensive nutrition. If only nitrogen fertilizer is applied, its flowering time will be delayed, and the flowers will not look good.
⑦ Diseased and weak plants cannot be fertilized casually; it is harmful to them. And there is no need to fertilize during the seed stage; wait until true leaves grow before fertilizing.