Why shouldn't beginners fertilize orchids?

Do not fertilize newly potted orchids

Do not fertilize an orchid that has just been potted, because the potting soil already contains enough nutrients to meet the orchid's growth needs. Secondly, the orchid has just been repotted and has gone through a lot of disruption, so root growth is affected and there may be some wounds. If too much fertilizer is applied at this time, it will cause fertilizer burn, breed bacteria, and affect the orchid's adjustment to the new pot.

After about 2 to 3 weeks, once the orchid returns to normal and has grown a certain amount of new roots, its resistance also increases somewhat, and it can be fertilized appropriately.

Do not fertilize weak plants

If the orchid is not growing normally, with no new shoots emerging, dull leaf color, and dry leaf tips, this means root growth has been affected, and you must not fertilize. First, you should check whether the roots have rotted and deal with it promptly. After handling it, simply spray a little foliar fertilizer to supplement nutrients and promote the orchid's recovery.

Do not fertilize when flower buds are not plump

In autumn, an orchid's new roots grow more and more, and it begins to produce flower buds. If you find that the flower buds are not plump and have become abnormal or deformed, this indicates a problem with the nutrient supply from the roots, which can only barely maintain the plant's growth. If you ask whether the plant needs fertilizer, yes, it does, but it cannot be fertilized. Fertilizing at this time will affect the roots. You can first spray foliar fertilizer to promote the plant's growth and allow the roots to recover slowly.

Do not fertilize in early spring

In early spring, the orchid has just been moved outdoors and is gradually resuming growth. At this time the temperature is still relatively low, growth is slow, and fertilizer will not be well absorbed. It remains in the soil and instead is not conducive to the orchid's growth.

Do not fertilize in midsummer

Generally, when the temperature reaches 35°C, orchids enter a dormant state, growing slowly, and their ability to absorb nutrients is very weak. Fertilizing at this time is undoubtedly adding insult to injury. More importantly, fertilizing in summer will create a false appearance of vigorous growth in autumn, and by the next year the roots, leaves, and flowering will all be poor.

Do not fertilize at noon

No matter the season, do not fertilize at noon. The best time to fertilize is in the morning or evening, along with watering. If you fertilize at noon, the temperature is too high, the fertilizer ferments in the soil, and it is very easy to cause fertilizer burn.