Can Phalaenopsis orchids be fertilized with rice water, and which fertilizer is best?

In home gardening, some people like to use water with organic fertilizer, the most familiar being rice water, soybean water, and some even use organic fertilizer water from fish tanks. However, for Phalaenopsis orchids, is this kind of organic fertilizer water suitable for pouring on the soil? The correct answer is that it is not very suitable, because these organic fertilizers may cause the growing medium to rot. Let's learn more about it below.

In a normal household, rice is washed every day, making rice water one of the easiest organic fertilizers to obtain, and "rice water" itself contains a large amount of starch, which can provide basic nutrients for many flowers. But for Phalaenopsis orchids, which are flowers that live in tropical rainforests, rice water is not an ideal fertilizer choice.

In detail, although rice water contains relatively abundant organic matter, for Phalaenopsis orchids, whose roots are inherently quite sensitive, it can affect the ventilation and drainage of the roots, so long-term use will lead to root damage and affect the plant's growth and flowering.

Secondly, because rice contains salt and other chemical substances, the sediment accumulated during the rice-washing process will also clog the roots' normal breathing, thereby preventing the plant from absorbing normal moisture and affecting subsequent healthy growth.

Another risk is that much of the rice on the market itself is mixed with artificial additives, such as selenium-enriched substances or toxic substances. During use, rice water is also absorbing these added materials, which may harm the plant and even cause the plant to die.

In summary, it is not recommended to use organic fertilizers such as rice water for Phalaenopsis orchids. We can go to a specialty store to buy orchid-specific fertilizer, or choose compound fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The nutrients contained in this kind of fertilizer dissolve easily in water, so on the one hand they will not accumulate excessively, and they can also ensure that the plant absorbs all the nutrients it needs.

In addition, when adding fertilizer for orchids, it can be given according to their condition. For example, when the plant is flowering, choose diammonium phosphate and tripotassium phosphate, etc., so that the buds can be fuller and the flowers more brilliant. During the dormant period, because metabolism slows down at this time, fertilizer can no longer be applied.