How to Fertilize Dendrobium Orchids: A Detailed Guide to Practical Methods
Dendrobium is a very precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb, but there are many kinds of Dendrobium. According to statistics, there are over a thousand species, yet only a few dozen of them have medicinal value. The planting area of Dendrobium has been continuously increasing, but it still cannot meet the market demand, and at the same time many Dendrobium growers also end up failing. Today we will focus on learning the fertilization methods for growing Dendrobium. Let's take a look below.
1. Topdressing Time
The topdressing time for Dendrobium is generally in spring and winter, and it is best to choose the time after the sun goes down in the afternoon. This is because when we fertilize, no matter how careful we are, it will cause some damage to the roots of Dendrobium, so when we fertilize at this time, Dendrobium has a certain recovery period, and in this way the absorption of Dendrobium is better. At the same time, remember that it is best not to fertilize in summer and autumn. Of course, necessary situations are not ruled out. When fertilization is not absolutely necessary, it is best not to fertilize, so as not to affect the normal growth of Dendrobium.
2. Topdressing Principles
The topdressing principle for Dendrobium is light fertilizer applied frequently. That is to say, during the fertilization period, we should grasp the strength of fertilization, try to use a lower concentration, and apply fertilizer in multiple sessions. This is much better than applying too much fertilizer at one time. Although it is said that fertilizer should be applied frequently and lightly, frequent application also needs to have a limit. In general, fertilizer should be applied at least about every ten days, and at the same time do not change fertilizers frequently, so as not to cause discomfort to Dendrobium.
3. Topdressing Conditions
There are also conditions for topdressing Dendrobium. It does not mean that fertilization can be carried out directly during the fertilization period. First, we need to grasp the fertilization temperature. Generally, the temperature of the planting site is between 15 and 30 degrees, and at this time fertilization can be carried out. But if the temperature is lower than 15 degrees or higher than 30 degrees, it is best not to fertilize. Second, when fertilizing, it is also necessary to observe the growth condition of Dendrobium, and not to fertilize scientifically according to the different growth stages of Dendrobium. For example, in the early growth stage, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used, while in the flowering stage, bulb stage, and so on, potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer are mainly used.
4. Topdressing Methods
The topdressing methods for Dendrobium are not simple to describe, yet they are not complicated either. As long as you remember the nine principles, it is enough. They are: do not topdress during the dormant period, do not topdress during the flowering period, do not fertilize newly planted Dendrobium, do not apply fertilizer close to the roots, do not apply concentrated fertilizer, do not apply unrotted farmyard manure, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer alone, do not fertilize diseased plants or weak plants, and do not fertilize during the budding period. Master these nine principles, and fertilization becomes simple.
The above is what the editor is sharing with everyone today: the fertilization methods for growing Dendrobium. I believe everyone now has a general understanding of how to fertilize Dendrobium. If you want to learn more about growing Dendrobium, you can leave a message for the editor. Of course, you can also follow us directly to get the latest news.