A New Method of Fertilizing Orchids to Help Orchid Cultivation

Orchids Cultivation: Orchid New Fertilizing Method——the IV drip method

1. How to do it. Use a discarded hospital IV bottle, put the nutrient solution mixed as required into the bottle, insert the IV tube, and hang it upside down (higher than the pot surface). Insert the needle at the other end into the orchid pseudobulb (for a pot of orchids, as long as they are connected clump seedlings, insert the needle into any one plant and the whole pot of orchids can receive nutrient supply). The nutrient solution supplied passes from the IV bottle through the IV tube and needle and slowly seeps into the plant tissue, achieving the purpose of fertilization.

2. Nutrient solution requirements. The type of nutrient solution used for the “IV drip method” of fertilization is mainly determined by the purpose of fertilization. For general routine fertilization, chemical fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other trace elements can be mixed into a solution of a certain proportional concentration. Various orchid-specific nutrient solutions sold on the market can also be used according to actual conditions. For example, Guangdong Shaoguan Meihui brand orchid hydroponic nutrient solution, as well as Jialanbao, root promoter, bud stimulant, etc. Amino acids, glucose solution, sucrose solution, etc. can also be used.

The concentration of the nutrient solution should be very low, generally 0.01% to 5%. The concentration of major elements should be higher, and the concentration of trace elements should be lower.

The pH value of the nutrient solution directly affects the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the plant. If a special nutrient solution is purchased, just dilute and use it as required. If the self-mixed nutrient solution mainly supplies cations, the solution should be adjusted to slightly alkaline; if it mainly supplies anions, the solution should be adjusted to weakly acidic, so as to improve the nutritional effect.

3. When to use. Generally, it is best to do this during the vigorous growth period to promote growth. Sometimes it can also be done during the dormant period to improve the cold resistance of the orchid plant and help it overwinter safely.