Is the Phalaenopsis orchid afraid of strong fertilizer? Teaching you the correct way to choose fertilizer and fertilize

Have you also encountered this: the Phalaenopsis orchid was fine when you bought it, and you gave it plenty of fertilizer afterward, but as you kept it at home it grew worse and worse, and even developed problems like yellow leaves and root rot? In fact, caring for a Phalaenopsis orchid is like looking after a picky child; they are actually very particular about fertilizer and the amount used, and if it is too strong, that is instead a taboo for them. So how can you fertilize it scientifically? Let's take a look below.

Why is the Phalaenopsis orchid so picky? It comes from the fact that its natural demand for fertilizer is very special; they like dilute, mild fertilizer, not that kind of heavy, strong, big-dose fertilizer. If you apply too much fertilizer to a Phalaenopsis orchid or the fertilizer concentration is too high, it can become unable to absorb it, and in serious cases fertilizer burn can occur. This is why sometimes, even though people clearly use a lot of fertilizer, the Phalaenopsis orchid grows worse and worse.

So how should the scientific fertilization method be done? We need to choose a suitable fertilizer. For Phalaenopsis orchids, a compound fertilizer generally containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is very suitable; these elements are good for its growth and flowering. At the same time, you can also choose some fertilizers specially made for Phalaenopsis orchids, which are usually also easy for it to absorb.

After buying the fertilizer, you then need to control the amount and frequency of fertilization well. Adjusting according to the growth stage and season of the Phalaenopsis orchid is most suitable. Generally speaking, during the growth period in summer and autumn, you can fertilize once every 1 to 2 weeks, and do not apply too much each time; be sure to read the instructions. In winter, because growth relatively enters a slow period, at this time do not fertilize it anymore.

As for the correct fertilization method, we can use the water-soluble fertilizer approach: add the fertilizer to water and mix it, then pour it onto the Phalaenopsis orchid's soil. This method can both distribute the fertilizer evenly and help the soil absorb it faster, while also avoiding fertilizer burn caused by fertilizer that is too strong. However, note that water containing fertilizer must absolutely not be sprayed onto the leaves; if you find it there, wipe it off immediately with a tissue, otherwise leaf rot is likely to occur.