How to fertilize potted orchids? Methods and precautions
How to fertilize potted orchids? There are three main methods for fertilizing potted orchid plants: root watering, foliar spraying, and adding base fertilizer to the potting medium. Beyond understanding these three fertilizing methods, growers should also pay attention to certain precautions regarding fertilization, such as fertilizer concentration, timing of application, and frequency of application. The details will be explained below.
I. Fertilizing methods for potted orchids
1. Root watering
Root watering means dissolving the fertilizer in water, then pouring the solution into the potting medium so the orchid roots can absorb it.
2. Foliar spraying
Foliar spraying means spraying the fertilizer solution on both the front and back of the leaves so the leaves can absorb it.
3. Adding base fertilizer to the potting medium
Adding base fertilizer to the potting medium means that when potting up, organic fertilizer granules or slow-release chemical fertilizer are placed in the potting medium, and then through regular watering, the organic fertilizer granules or slow-release chemical fertilizer slowly dissolve so the orchid roots can absorb them.
II. Precautions for foliar fertilization
1. Choose a suitable foliar fertilizer
Foliar fertilizers commonly used for foliar spraying include Huabao, Lanjunwang, Duomu, urea, monopotassium phosphate, superphosphate, potassium sulfate and micronutrient fertilizers. The appropriate fertilizer can be selected according to the specific situation.
2. Spraying time should be suitable
Carry out foliar fertilization in the evening on a day with a light breeze.
3. Spraying concentration and method should be appropriate
Dilute the foliar fertilizer into a 3000-5000 times solution. Foliar fertilization requires fine droplets and even spraying.
4. The frequency of foliar fertilization should be strictly controlled
In winter, foliar fertilizer is generally not applied. The foliar fertilization cycle is once every 10-15 days. When spraying foliar fertilizer containing plant growth regulators, the interval must be at least 7 days or more to prevent harm from improper regulation. When fertilizing, the concentration should not be too high, to prevent fertilizer damage.