How to fertilize orchids?

It is not recommended for novices to grow orchids. After all, raising orchids requires some basic orchid knowledge. The primary purpose of novices is to raise orchids first. Improper fertilization can easily cause fertilizer damage. Only when we have raised orchids can we consider how to raise them well. If you know the knowledge about fertilizing orchids, you can fertilize orchids. Scientific and reasonable fertilizers can make orchids sprout more seedlings, bloom more, and grow better. It is more ornamental, but be sure to note: Fertilizing orchids is only needed when there is insufficient base fertilizer in the pot. Fertilization is not required for old, weak and sick seedlings with sufficient base fertilizer.

1. Two types of orchid fertilization

There are two types of orchid fertilization methods, one is: root fertilization method, the other is: foliar fertilization method. The roots and leaves of orchids can absorb and utilize fertilizers. Foliar fertilization is a supplement to root fertilization. The fertilizer effect is fast and immediate. It cannot be relied on or used for a long time. It should be used in conjunction with root fertilization.

Root fertilization is divided into two situations: directly mixing organic matter or organic fertilizer into the plant material is called "base fertilizer", and applying it from the surface of the plant material is called "top dressing". Do not use too much base fertilizer to prevent the heat of the fertilizer from damaging the roots or making the root bark black. Top dressing is a supplement or adjustment to the lack of fertilizer in the pot.

2. Commonly used orchid fertilizers

Root fertilizers can use organic matter such as bark pieces, leaves, peat, coconut shells, rice husks, peanut shells, etc. These organic matter need to be fermented before use. Before use, it is best to steam it at high temperature to kill germs and insect eggs. The organic matter's ability to absorb water after cooking will also be enhanced, and the rate of organic matter release will also be faster. You can also directly use cake fertilizer, cow dung, sheep dung and other organic fertilizers. You can also use urea, long-lasting coated slow-release fertilizer and other chemical fertilizers on the surface of the plant material, such as Aolv, Haokangduo, Magic Fertilizer, etc. You can use organic fertilizer mixed with water to dilute the upper clarified liquid on the leaves, or you can directly spray the leaves with chemical foliar fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Huabao, Xishuo, etc.

3. Orchid fertilization methods and techniques

1. Timing of orchid fertilization

Orchid fertilization usually supplements the three elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen fertilizer is generally used. Urea and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are generally potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Spring and autumn are the seasons when orchid leaves grow. Add more nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Use more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the flowering season of orchids. Use them in advance 15-30 days before flowering. They are all 7 -Use once every 10 days and 2-3 times in a row.

Orchid fertilization should be carried out in sunny weather with a temperature of 20-30°C, which is conducive to the absorption and utilization of orchids. It should not be used in low-temperature seasons in winter and high-temperature seasons in summer. Orchids grown in the open air should not be used on rainy days. Fertilizer cannot be absorbed by orchids and will cause waste.

2. Before fertilizing orchids, conduct a concentration test first

When fertilizing orchids, apply thin fertilizer, so that fertilizer damage is less likely to occur. Thin fertilizer will at best cause nutritional deficiencies in orchids. Making the orchid plant smaller will not cause the orchid to die, and I can also topdress the orchid later to make up for the lack of nutrients in the orchid. Life is better than death. When fertilizing, a concentration test can be performed first.

The test can be diluted between 1000-3000 times before use. The lower the concentration of the test, the safer it is. Then increase the concentration appropriately next time and observe. The fertilizer damage will generally be within 1-2 It will show up within a few days. Once you find signs of slight yellowing and blackening of new leaves, stop fertilizing immediately and rinse with water. Next time you use it, optimize and adjust the ratio before use. This will enable us to grasp the best balance between fertilizer and water. Proportion to make the fertilizer better serve the orchid.