Do orchids need fertilizer in winter? Master the correct fertilizing method

Orchids, with their delicate fragrance carried far and wide, born of nature and highly ornamental, are a traditional famous flower of China; in addition, orchids also help purify the air.

As the weather turns colder, orchids need to be brought indoors for warmth, placed where sunlight can reach them, which is extremely beneficial for the growth, bud formation and blooming of orchids. For orchids brought indoors to overwinter, the room temperature should be kept between 5°C and 15°C. If the room temperature is too high, the flower stems grow slowly and the buds develop poorly, which can easily cause already-formed buds to shrivel and even die; in winter orchids are mostly in a dormant state, at which time they need less water, and the potting soil being slightly moist is enough for them to overwinter safely.

1. Controlling fertilizer and increasing light for orchids in winter: during the dormant period orchids generally do not need fertilizing. Generally, when orchids are repotted and the soil is changed every one or two years, the replacement soil already contains sufficient nutrients, so no fertilizing at all is needed in winter.

2. However, for Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium kanran during their growing period, a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be sprayed on the leaves. In addition, indoors, orchids can be given more light; if the light is insufficient, artificial lighting can be used as a supplement.

3. If orchids receive sufficient light in winter, this is beneficial for vigorous growth and abundant, brilliant blooming the following year. At the same time, it can also improve the orchids' cold resistance during the winter.