What is the best way to fertilize orchids?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Learning how to fertilize orchids effectively converts sparse flowering plants into magnificent blooming plants. The weekly method aims to deliver diluted nutrients to your orchids on a weekly basis. This method employs a process that simulates what the orchid plant would experience in nature, where light rainfall washes nutrients into the root zone. During rains, your orchids absorb the necessary nutrients without the high salt concentrations that could cause damage to the plant.
Water quality impacts the success of fertilizing crops. You should check the pH with strips, aiming for a range of 5.5 to 6.3. For TDS, you want to measure and keep it under 100 ppm. Then, use rainwater to fill the containers first, and consider using reverse osmosis systems as an alternative. Tap water, if used, should be filtered. When you ignore water quality, you create conditions that lead to nutrient lockout, or a lack of nutrient uptake efficiency, and you've wasted all that fertilizer.
Weekly Weakly Method
- Dilute fertilizer to one-quarter strength weekly
- Mimics natural nutrient delivery in rainforests
- Prevents salt buildup in potting media
- Apply early morning when stomata open
Seasonal Adjustments
- Increase strength during spring growth phases
- Reduce nitrogen when temperatures drop below 70°F
- Suspend feeding for dormant deciduous orchids
- Use half-strength solutions in extreme heat
Natural Alternatives
- Eggshells provide calcium for cell strength
- Banana peels offer potassium for blooming
- Rinsed coffee grounds supply nitrogen safely
- Apply monthly during active growth periods
Using the proper tools will increase the accuracy of your work. Use graduated cylinders to accurately measure. TDS meters can be used to calculate the purity of water. Long-spouted cans deliver water to the root zone without wetting the foliage. I personally wear gloves when mixing and applying chemical fertilizers. I feel it is safer and protects my skin from irritation.
Monthly flushing reduces salt buildup. You will need to find 3 times the pot size in pure water and pour it through the media. Keep testing the runoff TDS until it is below 100 ppm. Flushing works so well that it brought my orchids back from the brink of death due to fertilizer burn. Do not skip this important maintenance step.
Observe your orchids' reactions. The appearance of new root tips means that you have fed the plants correctly. Dark green leaves will demonstrate that you have fed your orchids nitrogen in the proper balance to support optimal plant health. These indications are better guides than adhering strictly to feeding schedules. Your careful attention produces healthy orchids that give you the pleasure of beautiful blooms.
Read the full article: How to Fertilize Orchids: Ultimate Guide
