The successful care of orchids requires a high degree of horticultural empathy. The epiphytic and terrestrial flowers from the tropical rain forests only bloom when all the basic conditions are harmoniously intertwined. The adequate fertilizer contributes significantly to the hoped-for flower spectacle. Explore the wide range of suitable fertilizers for your orchids with practical tips on how to use them.

The right amount of fertilizer rewards the orchid with an abundance of flowers

Which nutrients should be included in orchid fertilizer a priori?

Most orchids grow epiphytically. They cling to the branches of mighty rainforest trees, while their aerial roots take the vital nutrients from the rain or blown up leaves. A good orchid fertilizer should have these main components:

  • Nitrogen (N): Promotes the growth of leaves and shoots
  • Phosphorus (P): Promotes flowering and contributes to healthy root growth
  • Potassium (K): Optimizes resistance by supporting metabolism in orchids
  • Calcium (Ca): Important trace element that stimulates growth and cell reproduction
  • Magnesium (Mg): As a trace element, it ensures, among other things, a rich green leaf color

The magnificent flowers are naturally more attuned to a nutrient diaspora. The sensitive roots cannot tolerate the concentrated load of conventional flower fertilizers (€1.95), whereby the high salt concentration in particular makes things difficult for them. Therefore, explore below suitable fertilizers that take the unorthodox habit into account.

Liquid fertilizers for orchids score with numerous advantages

Orchid fertilizers in liquid form impress with a special composition that is precisely tailored to the needs of demanding plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Furthermore, precise dosing is possible, taking into account factors such as the type of orchid, the age of the plant or the season. How to use the fertilizer correctly:

  • Add to watering or submerging water every 2 weeks during the growth and flowering period
  • Never apply liquid fertilizer directly to the substrate or roots
  • Do not fertilize orchids when they are dormant

If the orchid soil has dried, please first water it with clear water and only then add the liquid fertilizer. For young plants or newly acquired orchids, we recommend halving the dosage specified by the manufacturer.

Chopsticks as orchid fertilizer are not always the ultimate

Fertilizers in the form of sticks are very popular in the care of indoor plants. Pressed into the substrate in sufficient numbers, the plant is well supplied with all nutrients for the next 3 months. That saves time and money. However, experts view the effectiveness of this method on orchids critically. Since the substrate has to be moist so that the active ingredients can spread, this requirement is not always met in coarse, porous orchid soil. Furthermore, there can be a concentrated release of nutrients at certain points, while root strands that are further away get nothing.

Foliar fertilization - care and fertilization in one go

At home in the warm, humid climate of tropical rainforests, orchids only thrive under the influence of high humidity of 50 to 80 percent. At the same time, the noble flowers react extremely angrily to waterlogging and, in the worst case, die due to root rot. With a view to these premises, resourceful experts have developed a vital spray for foliar fertilization especially for orchids.

Thanks to a low-salt recipe and equipped with all the important nutrients in an NPK formulation of 0.1-0.25-0.25, the orchid absorbs moisture and fertilizer through its leaves and aerial roots. Foliar fertilization is an excellent alternative, especially for orchids cultivated without substrate, such as Vanda. This is how you use the product correctly:

  • Fill the liquid fertilizer into a hand sprayer with lime-free water according to the specified dosage
  • Spray on the top and bottom of the leaves and the roots all year round
  • Do not use foliar fertilization in direct sunlight
  • Do not spray flowers

Homeopathic fertilizer - Ideal for ecologically oriented orchid gardeners

Organic fertilizers such as horn shavings, (32.93€) compost or guano granules are unsuitable for supplying nutrients to orchids. The materials must first be processed by soil organisms in such a way that they are available for the roots. As an environmentally conscious hobby gardener, you can still remain true to your line when it comes to orchid care.

Various manufacturers offer homeopathic fertilizer sprays as ready-to-use tonics for your orchids. It contains only natural components such as worm humus, horsetail extract, guano (€121.99) or copper sulphate. Used regularly during the growth and flowering period, it activates flowering, promotes leaf growth and strengthens resistance.

Terrestrial orchids like to accept compost and horn shavings

For your hardy terrestrial orchids in the garden, no complex pull-ups are required in the nutrient supply. These robust orchid species, such as orchids or lady's slippers, gratefully accept mature leaf compost and horn shavings as starter fertilizer in spring. In late summer, potassium-rich comfrey manure strengthens winter hardiness.

tips

Regardless of which fertilizer you prefer for your orchids, you can still optimize its effectiveness. The plant additive 'Wurzel Complex' from Hesi improves the absorption of the active ingredients without containing fertilizer or increasing the salt content. Administered before and after repotting, the preparation also reduces the stress on your sensitive orchids.

Category:

Indoor plants