There are many varieties of orchids, and their fertilization methods differ.

Orchids have large, brightly colored flowers and a blooming period that lasts for months, making them a mainstream variety of New Year flowers in recent years. Because there are so many varieties of orchids, the fertilization methods for several main varieties are introduced below.

1. Cymbidium orchids The following three methods can be used for fertilizing Cymbidium orchids: First, mix the fertilizer in the correct proportion with the growing medium to support plant growth and development. Second, mix the fertilizer in the correct proportion into a solution and pour it into the growing medium in several applications. Third, make the fertilizer in the correct proportion into solid granules or fertilizer blocks and apply them to the surface of the growing medium. Apply more fertilizer during seasons with abundant sunlight to ensure vigorous plant growth; while in dark, cold, or rainy weather, apply less fertilizer, or none at all.

2. Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis needs relatively little fertilizer, and the principle of light fertilizer, small amounts, and frequent application should generally be followed. Spring and summer are the periods of vigorous growth, so a dilute liquid fertilizer mainly containing nitrogen can be applied once every 7 days; autumn and winter are the flower stem growth period, so a dilute liquid fertilizer mainly containing phosphorus and potassium should be applied once every 10-14 days, or a 0.5% superphosphate solution can be sprayed; after flower buds appear, fertilization should be stopped, otherwise the buds are prone to dropping early.

3. Large-flowered Cymbidium Large-flowered Cymbidium is the most fertilizer-loving of all orchids. During the vigorous growth period, dilute fertilizer water should be applied once every 14 days (fertilizer water is also acceptable), or solid granular fertilizer can be applied to the growing medium in spring and summer to slowly release nutrients for long-term absorption by the root system. During the seedling stage and in low-temperature seasons, a compound fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 7:6:19 can be used for foliar spraying.

4. Dendrobium Dendrobium likes fertilizer but requires light fertilizer and frequent application. During the seedling stage, a dilute liquid fertilizer with relatively high nitrogen content is suitable, with a concentration of 20% being appropriate; apply once every 7 days. After the seedling stage, the plant grows faster, and a dilute liquid fertilizer containing relatively complete nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once every 14 days; a concentration of 20% is appropriate. When fertilizing, note that it must not be applied to the leaves.

5. Cattleya Only with appropriate and timely fertilization can Cattleya seedlings grow robustly and produce brightly colored flowers. The methods are as follows: (1) Light fertilizer is suitable, and a fertilizer concentration of 50%-80% of ordinary flower fertilizer is sufficient. Fertilizer can be applied 7 days after new shoots emerge, and for small seedlings the principle of small amounts and frequent application should be followed. (2) During the growth period, fully decomposed, extremely dilute cake fertilizer water can be applied once every 10-15 days. When fertilizing, note that it must not be applied to the leaves and tender buds. (3) For plants that have reached flowering age, during the flower bud differentiation period, appropriately more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied to nourish the roots and promote flowering and improve photosynthetic efficiency.

6. Paphiopedilum: Paphiopedilum needs relatively little fertilizer, and generally it only needs to be fertilized during the growth period. During the growth period, after new shoots sprout, dilute cake fertilizer water can be applied once every 21-28 days to make the leaves lush and the flowers colorful. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period to allow full dormancy.