How to Apply Urea Fertilizer to Phalaenopsis Orchids? Three Simple Steps and the Best Fertilizing Time
I believe that for everyone who loves growing flowers and plants, our shared wish is for our own plants to look better and better, and to bloom so profusely they fill the pot! But when it comes to growing flowers, sometimes things don't turn out the way you want just because you want them to; you need to decide based on each household's temperature, light, watering and other care conditions. This is even more true if the plant you happen to be growing is the rather delicate "Phalaenopsis orchid". Even if you do a good job with temperature, light and watering in your daily care, you may still get the fertilizing method wrong.
On the road of growing flowers, many flower enthusiasts know that plants need to be fertilized regularly, and when it comes to fertilizing recommendations, quite a few flower stall owners suggest using "urea fertilizer" because it is rich in nitrogen, which can promote plant growth, and it is also one of the fertilizers commonly used by flower farmers.
However, when it comes to urea fertilizer, it is actually a double-edged sword for Phalaenopsis orchids. Used in the right amount, it can indeed help Phalaenopsis orchids grow faster, but if the amount is not paid attention to, it may cause trouble, equivalent to feeding the plant poison. If too much urea is used during application, the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid are the first victims, followed by the leaves turning yellow and withering, and finally even growth is hindered.
What is the reason for this? Urea acts in the soil, and after decomposition it produces ammonia gas. When the concentration of this ammonia gas is too high, it corrodes the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid until they are black and rotten. Then the roots lose their nutrient balance, and in the end the leaves of course also become yellow and dull, and in severe cases the plant may even die outright,
How is it best used? First of all, of course, the amount must be controlled well. Before use, read the instructions carefully, and adjust the amount according to the growth condition of the Phalaenopsis orchid and the degree of soil aeration. Then dilute it, and dilute it again; it is better to be weak than strong (it is recommended to mix with water at a ratio of 1 to 3). If you really have used a strong fertilizer, then quickly water it more to dilute the concentration of the amount used.
Finally, choose the right timing for use. Never fertilize in the cold winter, or when the plant is in a dormant state. It is recommended to fertilize from spring to autumn, because this is the period of vigorous growth for orchids, when the demand for nutrients is higher. For fertilizing frequency, it is recommended that flower enthusiasts fertilize once a week.