How to fertilize Phalaenopsis orchids? A detailed guide to fertilizing timing and methods at each stage
When a Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) blooms, it looks just like a flock of butterflies about to take flight, both beautiful and ethereal. But if you want it to stay beautiful, you have to fertilize it properly at each different stage. Here is what you need to know.
When you first grow Phalaenopsis seedlings, their roots and leaves are still very tender, so at this stage you need to give them a fertilizer based mainly on nitrogen, paired with some phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen fertilizer lets the leaves grow quickly and the root system become more developed; with stronger photosynthesis, the plant can grow vigorously. Find a water-soluble balanced fertilizer, dilute it 1000 - 1500times, and apply it roughly every 7 - 10days. Remember not to apply a strong fertilizer, or it can easily burn the roots.
Once the Phalaenopsis enters its growth period, it grows even faster and needs more nutrients. At this point, the fertilizer should be switched to a high-nitrogen, high-potassium type. Nitrogen makes the leaves and stems grow stronger, while potassium makes the Phalaenopsis more resilient and its root system firmer. Just use Peter's Professional 1, dilute it about 1000times, and apply it once every 10 - 15days. In addition, supplement with a fertilizer containing trace elements such as iron, zinc and manganese from time to time; as the Phalaenopsis's metabolism speeds up, its leaves will become green and thick.
When it reaches the flower bud differentiation stage, this is a critical time, and you must quickly switch the fertilizer to one based mainly on phosphorus and potassium so the flower buds can differentiate and grow faster. Monopotassium phosphate or Peter's Professional 2 are both good; dilute them 1000 - 1200times, and apply once every 7 - 10days. When fertilizing, it is best to choose the evening and avoid the high temperatures of midday, or fertilizer burn is likely.
When the Phalaenopsis is blooming, you must be careful with fertilizing. At the beginning of flowering, apply a dilute phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once to replenish the nutrients consumed by blooming. Once the flowers are fully open, fertilize less or simply stop, otherwise the flowering period will be shortened and the flowers will wither early, and you will not get to see the beautiful blooms.
Once the flowers fade, the Phalaenopsis enters its rest period, and at this point you must quickly replenish its nutrients so it can recover. First apply a dilute nitrogen fertilizer to help new leaves grow quickly. Then gradually increase the amount of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer so the plant stores enough nutrients and gets ready for the next bloom.
When growing Phalaenopsis, fertilizing at each stage has its own tricks; as long as you follow its needs, your Phalaenopsis at home is sure to bloom beautifully year after year!