Orchids are very popular indoor plants that require precise care. While they are undoubtedly impressive, they can be quite delicate. When caring for orchids, watering and feeding are the two trickiest areas, but if taken care for properly, the plants will thank us with abundant flowering.
Orchids are extremely sensitive to overfeeding, so it is important to know when and how much nutrient to provide them.
How often should orchids be fertilized?
Orchids need to be fed regularly to stay healthy, but it’s important not to overdo it. Experts say too little fertilizer is always better than too much, as these plants are extremely sensitive and too much fertilizer can damage their roots.
It is also important to know the exact amount of nutrients they need during their growth cycle. Orchids should definitely be fed during the peak growth period in spring and summer, when the leaves and roots are both actively developing.
A general guideline is that during this period, formula should be given every 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, in autumn and winter, when orchids often go into a dormant phase, it is advisable to reduce or stop feeding the plants.
Many orchid growers prefer to feed their plants once a week, but in smaller amounts – providing a quarter of the total monthly dose each week.
In addition, it is recommended to periodically wash the roots of the plants with plain water to remove excess salts accumulated from the fertilizer in the pot. This should be done about once a month.
What is the best fertilizer for orchids?
It is best to buy water-soluble formulas specially developed for orchids. At the same time, the selection of the best formula is also influenced by the planting medium. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the basic composition of most formulas – these are the so-called NPK formulas, and the ratio of each nutrient is indicated on the label of any fertilizer. This ration is usually 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 for balanced formulas.
If bark is used as a planting medium, orchids require a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio, such as 30-10-10 or 15-5-5. For orchids grown in traditional potting soil, a more balanced mix, such as 20-20-20, may be ideal.
Before flowering and during the flowering phase, a so-called flowering-enhancing fertilizer can be used, which has a higher phosphorus content, for example in a ratio of 10-30-20.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging, as too much formula can cause serious damage to the plant.
It is always better to use nutrients specially developed for orchids. However, if you do it carefully, you can also use a general-purpose fertilizer. This should always be balanced, in a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
When should orchids not be fertilized?
It is extremely important to never fertilize plants when the planting medium is dry. Try to time the feeding right after watering. Fertilizing dry orchids can burn the roots and stress the plant. Therefore, always moisten the growing medium before applying the nutrient solution.
However, most orchid growers do not feed their plants during the winter rest months. The risk of overfeeding is increased during the period of the year when plants are not growing. Winter feeding should always be done in reduced quantities, but it can even be stopped completely until spring.
In addition to watering and feeding, pruning and transplanting orchids is also a key part of houseplant care. It is recommended to plant orchids in larger pots every few years.