Can you fertilize orchids when they have flower buds? Six major fertilizing precautions to remember

Many people like to grow orchids, but after keeping them for a long time they still do not bloom, mainly because of improper methods. When growing orchids, flower lovers must pay attention: if there is a problem with the orchid roots or the flower buds are not plump, do not fertilize. In addition, midday, early spring and summer are also unsuitable for fertilizing. Orchids are generally grown in an open, moist environment with direct sunlight, and with reasonable fertilizing they will produce beautiful flowers. Some flower lovers want more beautiful flowers and more flower buds, so they fertilize heavily once the orchid enters the flowering period. Is this appropriate? Can you fertilize orchids when they have flower buds?

1. Orchids with flower buds should not be fertilized

"I came from the mountains, bringing back an orchid, planted it in a small garden, hoping it would bloom well. I look at it three times a day, watching the flowering time pass; the flower watcher grows anxious, and there is not even a single bud" - the song "Orchid" pours out the feelings of flower growers. It is very difficult for orchids to bloom, so they must be carefully maintained and well cultivated, especially when the flowering period arrives and flower buds appear. Can you fertilize orchids when they have flower buds?

Orchids like fertilizer and need to be fertilized several times a year. Once they enter the flowering period, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be the main type, but when flower buds appear, do not fertilize. Orchid flower buds absorb fertilizer very well, but after absorbing it they cannot digest it; the flower buds cannot bear the nutrients they absorb, which leads to the buds withering or the flowers fading as soon as they open, shortening the flowering period.

2. Several situations in which orchids must not be fertilized 1. When newly potted and when repotting

Orchids are fertilizer-loving plants, but they should not be fertilized when newly potted or when repotting. The soil in a new pot is freshly prepared nutrient soil, and the nutrients in it are enough to supply the orchid's growth for a period of time, so no additional fertilizer is needed at this time.

In addition, when orchids are repotted, the roots are inevitably damaged to some extent. Fertilizing at this time will cause the root wounds to rot and is also not conducive to nutrient absorption; after repotting, fertilizing should be done 2 to 3 weeks later. By then the root damage has healed and some new roots have grown, so it is suitable to apply a certain amount of fertilizer.

2. Problems with the roots

Orchids are suited to growing in a moist, ventilated environment. When problems such as hollow roots and root rot occur, the branches become thin and the leaves turn yellow, and the plant looks poor. At this time they must not be fertilized; the roots need to be checked promptly, and after the root problems are dealt with, an appropriate amount of foliar fertilizer can be sprayed to restore the leaves first. Once the roots gradually recover, it is better to fertilize.

3. When the flower buds are not plump

During growth, orchids sometimes develop absorption problems, that is, there is no problem with the roots, but their ability to absorb nutrients is poor. During this period they must not be fertilized; only foliar fertilizer can be sprayed to maintain nutrients, slowly relieving the pressure on the roots, and after they recover, an appropriate amount of fertilizer can be applied.

4. Early spring

Orchids like a warm climate. When growing orchids, once winter arrives they need to be moved indoors, and when spring comes they are moved back outside to a shaded place. The temperature in early spring is not yet warm, and orchid growth is relatively slow at this time, so they do not need many nutrients. Therefore, in early spring there is no need to fertilize orchids.

5. Summer

In summer, with high temperatures, many plants enter a dormant period, that is, they stop growing or grow slowly because of the heat. Orchids also stop growing above 35°C. Therefore, during this period they do not need nutrients and do not need fertilizer.

6. At midday

Most flower lovers know that when watering plants, you choose morning or evening; midday is not suitable for watering. Fertilizing is the same: it is not suitable at midday, as it affects plant growth and absorption and fails to achieve the expected effect.

3. How to grow orchids 1. A suitable environment

Orchids generally grow in the mountains. The open, moist mountain environment is the growing environment orchids like best. If orchids are potted, it is impossible to have such a good growing environment, but you should try to provide something close to it. In spring, summer and autumn, grow the orchids outdoors in an open, ventilated place; in winter, when it is colder outside, grow the orchids indoors, preferably on a sunny flower stand or wooden rack.

2. Reasonable watering and fertilizing

Orchids like a moist environment, but watering must be moderate. Too much water makes the roots rot easily, while soil that is too dry easily causes hollow roots; both affect orchid growth. In addition, orchid fertilizing is generally done in June to July and August to September each year. In June to July, when orchid leaf buds are growing, apply 1 to 2 light fertilizations, and it must be fully decomposed liquid fertilizer; August to September is the same, and it is best not to use chemical fertilizers.

3. Sterilization and care

Growing orchids well is not an easy task, especially because they are prone to pests and diseases during growth. Therefore, they should usually be exposed to the scorching sun, which can effectively sterilize them; in fact, when choosing flower pots and potting soil, you should also pay attention and try to use clay pots, which help control the dryness and moisture of the potting soil.