Can you fertilize orchids while they are growing a flower spike? A detailed guide to cultivation methods

In fact, there are many kinds of fertilizers that can be applied to orchids, so asking so broadly is not very precise. Generally speaking, orchids with flower buds are not fertilized, first because of the fear that the buds may be damaged by bumps during the fertilizing process, and second because of the fear that the buds may suddenly absorb fertilizer and abort.

To put it simply, let's talk about commonly used orchid fertilizers. Besides some special orchid fertilizers on the market, there are also farmhouse cake fertilizer, NPK compound fertilizer, foliar fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, and so on.

1. Farmhouse cake fertilizer is mostly composted and used as a base fertilizer, mixed into the potting medium. It has already been applied when the orchid is potted. Of course, it can also be applied during later management, but it is just not as convenient as base fertilizer.

2. NPK compound fertilizer is a fast-acting chemical fertilizer. Applying it in spring when plants grow after flowering works well, and new shoots grow quickly. Do not apply it to plants with flower buds, as it easily burns the buds.

3. Foliar fertilizer is a commonly used fertilizer. As long as the temperature is suitable (15---30), it can be applied. Of course, when spraying plants with flower buds, the concentration should be lighter than usual, so pay attention to safety.

4. Slow-release fertilizer has high safety and slow fertilizer effect, and it can basically be applied at any stage. Large orchid nurseries all use slow-release fertilizer, precisely because they value its advantages - safe, labor-saving and time-saving to apply, and one handful can last half a year.