Newcomers to orchid farming are often confused about how to fertilize orchids. Let's be clear: fertilizing orchids is not as simple as just throwing a little fertilizer. It requires careful selection of the type of fertilizer, the right timing of the fertilizer, and the right method of application.
1. Under what circumstances do orchids need to be fertilized?
When the organic matter in the potting soil of the orchid is insufficient, we need to supplement fertilizer in time. For example, orchids with hard planting materials need to rely on fertilizers for a long time because the hard planting material itself does not contain nutrients, while the use of soft planting materials or a combination of soft and hard planting materials can be fertilized at the right time according to the growth of orchids.
2. How to choose the timing of fertilization?
The timing of fertilization is critical. In general, spring and autumn are the times when orchids are vigorous and the best time to fertilize. At this time, the temperature is right, and the orchid is better able to absorb and utilize the fertilizer. In summer, foliar fertilizer should be applied to avoid high temperature periods to avoid fertilizer damage.
3. How to choose fertilizer?
The choice of orchid fertilizer is mainly based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer or biological fertilizer can be selected. The release rate of organic fertilizer is mild and safe, which is suitable for long-term use, the effect of inorganic fertilizer is fast but it is easy to produce fertilizer damage if it is used improperly, and the biological fertilizer can improve the soil environment and promote the growth of orchid roots. It is recommended that novices start with organic fertilizer and gradually explore the type and amount of fertilizer suitable for orchids.
4. What is the specific fertilization method?
In spring and autumn, fertilizers containing nitrogen and potassium, such as urea, can be used, every 7-10 days, 2-3 times in a row. 15-30 days before flowering, fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, should be used to promote flower bud differentiation and improve flowering quality. Fertilization should be done in sunny weather and away from the roots of the orchid to avoid burning the orchid plant.
5. What are the precautions when fertilizing?
First of all, organic fertilizer must be fully fermented before use, secondly, inorganic fertilizer should be applied away from the roots, and finally, no matter what kind of fertilizer is used, it needs to be diluted high before application to avoid fertilizer damage. For old seedlings, weak seedlings and diseased seedlings, fertilization or no fertilization should be carried out with caution.
6. How to manage after fertilization?
It is best to water the next day after each fertilization to rinse off the residual fertilizer and keep the leaves clean; at the same time, the orchid should be placed in a ventilated and cool place to wait for the next fertilization; in summer, it is necessary to pay attention to shading and cooling to reduce the occurrence of diseases.