Fertilization is an essential procedure in the cultivation of every orchid. The correctdate for fertilizing orchidsand the right fertilizer is essential for orchids to bloom abundantly and for a long time. Find outwhen and how to fertilize orchidsandwhich orchid fertilizerto use to provide the plants with all the necessary nutrients. Get to know allsecrets of fertilizing orchidsand enjoy beautifully flowering plants!
Fertilizing orchids
Fig. depositphotos.com
When do we fertilize the orchids?
For orchids to bloom and develop properly, you need to fertilize them at the right time.Orchids should be fertilized only during the growing seasonOrchids require the most intensive fertilization in spring and summer (April-August), when they grow strongly and form flower buds. In the fall (September-October), the nutritional requirements of orchids gradually decrease. However, in the winter period (December-March), we stop fertilizing orchids completely.
Never fertilize orchids immediately after transplantingYou should wait 3 months before adding fertilizers to the new substrate. Also, do not fertilize newly purchased orchids for 1-2 months, as they are stimulated in different ways by growers. We also refrain from fertilizing in the period of prolonged cloudy weather, when the intensity of photosynthesis is reduced and the plant is unable to use the nutrients provided.It is not allowed to use fertilizers on excessively dry soil.Before applying fertilizer for orchids, the substrate should be watered abundantly so that the water flows into the stand
How to fertilize orchids?
In the cultivation of orchids it is necessary to use several different fertilizers , the composition of which corresponds to the current needs of plants for nutrients.
In spring and summer (April-September), , when the growth of orchids is very intense, we use fertilizers with an increased nitrogen (N) content , enriched with microelements and vitamins. Among the fertilizers for orchids and orchids available in commercial chains, such preparations include, among others Biopon, Biopon with vitamins B2 and B5 and Agrecol. During the flowering period, in addition to nitrogen, phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) are also necessary for the proper development of flowers. Deficiencies of these components lead to drying up of undeveloped flower buds or completely inhibit the development of inflorescence shoots.Thereforein the period of setting flower buds, we should introduce fertilizers with increased phosphorus content and with the addition of magnesiumSuch products are, for example, fertilizer for orchids Pokon, fertilizer sticks Target, Agrecol or Biopon.
In mid-August, the amount of nitrogen supplied to plants should be gradually reduced. We are starting to use the so-called autumn fertilizers, which are characterized by a higher concentration of phosphorus and potassium (K) in relation to nitrogen.They prepare orchids for winter dormancy and increase plant resistance to water deficiency(potassium). Such preparations are, for example, fertilizers for orchids Florovit, Compo, Target power of flowers, Substral or Nawomix.
At the turn of October and November we use fertilizers with equal nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content (eg Agrecol gel, Green House, Green House Guano). Orchids are not fertilized from December to March.
If we do not want to change fertilizers during the year, we can chooseyear-round ecological fertilizers for orchidssuch as Biohumus Humvit-Eko Storczyk, Biohumus for orchids by Ekodarpol, Biohumus max for orchids Target. These are products of natural origin, obtained thanks to the breeding of Californian earthworms, with a composition most similar to the natural medium of epiphytic orchids. The biggest advantage ofnatural orchid fertilizers is the lack of the risk of over-fertilization of theorchid. Nutrients that are not absorbed by the orchid do not accumulate in the substrate in the form of s alt, but are washed out with water.
Good to know!In East Asia, beer diluted in water (1:40) is used to fertilize orchids, which is rich in vitamins from the gr. B needed for the development of a strong root system.
How to fertilize orchids?
Orchids are plants very sensitive to an excess of minerals in the substrate.Therefore, when feeding orchids, strictly follow the rules of fertilization. It is best touse liquid orchidsbecause in this case we can control the amount of ingredients supplied to the substrate. Fertilizer sticks and applicators are very convenient, but when placed in the substrate, they release the same amount of all nutrients throughout the growing season, which is not always beneficial for orchids.
To fertilize the orchids, use fertilizers strongly dilutedin soft, uns alted water. We reduce the dose given by the manufacturer by half. From April to August, it is very beneficial to fertilize the orchids with each watering with a solution with a very low concentration of nutrients (0.05-0.15%). After the flowering period, the frequency of fertilization should be reduced to every 3 waterings.A very good method of fertilization is to immerse the pot with the orchid in a fertilizer solution
Orchids can be fed not only by soil, but also by foliar feeding. Foliar orchid fertilization brings faster resultsand is especially recommended for orchids with damaged root systems or weakened by attacks of diseases and pests. Spray orchid leaves every 4-6 days with a low concentration (0.01-0.02%) water solution of fertilizer. A few drops of dishwashing liquid are added to the aqueous solution so that the liquid does not run off the plant. The solution is sprayed on the underside of the leaves, where the skin is more delicate and not covered with a wax coating, thanks to which the nutrients and water are absorbed faster. We do not spray on hot and sunny days to avoid sunburn. Spray fertilizers early enough to allow the leaves to dry before the night, which will protect the orchids from the development of fungal diseases.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
