Care And Feeding Of Orchids Tips On Fertilizing Orchids

Weekly– When applying weekly, dilute the solution four times as much as the package recommends. Water the orchid with the fertilizer like normal watering, taking care not to get any on the leaves. Flush the plant with clean water at least once a month to remove any unused fertilizer.

How do you feed orchids fertilizer?

Many growers recommend the "weakly, weekly" approach, applying a dilute (1/4 strength) fertilizer each time they water, rather than applying a full dose once a month. Also, it is best not to fertilize a completely dry plant as the fertilizer can burn the dry roots. Water first then follow with fertilizer solution.

When should you fertilize orchids?

Begin feeding cymbidiums as soon as their flowering period is over (or, if yours haven't flowered, when those in your neighbourhood have finished). Dynamic Lifter pellets are ideal for the spring fertilising period – feed with a light sprinkling of pellets about every six weeks.

Should I fertilize my orchid while it is blooming?

Fertilize once the last bloom has fallen off your orchid. ... You don't need to water on the weeks you fertilize. You can fertilize your orchid while it's in bloom, but it's really not necessary. Performing this step during the resting phase helps give your orchid extra nutrients for reblooming.

What is the best natural fertilizer for orchids?

Some of the most popular homemade orchid fertilizers contain:

Milk.
Tea.
Eggshells.
Crushed dried chicken bones.
Molasses.
Potatoes.
Water that rice has been boiled in.

What to feed orchids to bloom?

Choose a fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (look for 20-20-20 on the label). Fertilizer should be used at half-strength, mixing it with an equal amount of water before applying it to your orchid.

What is the best way to care for orchids?

Here are the main requirements for proper orchid care

Most orchids require water once a week. ...
Position your orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west.
Weekly feeding with a fertilizer designed for orchids.
Repotting in fresh orchid mix when your orchid stops blooming.

Are coffee grounds good for orchids?

Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.

Is Miracle Grow good for orchids?

The answer is yes. Miracle-Gro fertilizer contains the major nutrient requirements for orchids. There is also specific Miracle-Gro fertilizer explicitly made for orchids. The attractive features of Miracle-Gro are numerous, and it has since become popular in the market.

Are eggshells good for orchids?

Eggshells are packed with generous amounts of calcium and potassium, which orchids need in order to thrive. This trick is super easy. Simply save eggshells and crush them using a blender or a mortar and pestle.

When should you not fertilize orchids?

Dormancy. Many orchids need a period of dormancy—or rest—generally in winter. During this time, when you should reduce or stop fertilizing, plants strengthen their root systems, grow leaves, and stockpile energy for their next growth spurt and bloom. Typically, an orchid can rebloom every 8 to 12 months.

How do you fertilize orchids with coffee grounds?

You can also make coffee ground tea which is an excellent additive to make orchid fertilizer. Add one part ground coffee juice to three parts soft water, use it once a month during the growing phase. Keep in the fridge in a closed jar or bottle.

Do orchids like Epsom salt?

Orchids: Epsom salt can heal aches and pains and fertilize your plants.

Are tea bags good for orchids?

Used tea bags, which are high in nitrogen, are especially good for orchids. Tea bags contain organic matter that is non toxic and does not smell bad. To use the tea bag, open it and empty the contents into the orchid pot.

Are banana peels good for orchids?

Orchid Food

Banana peels provide a natural way to give your orchids potassium, potash, phosphorous, nitrogen and magnesium, although not in huge quantities. They work similar to a slow-release fertilizer when added to the soil in solid form.

How do you fertilize orchids naturally?

The Top 10 Natural Orchid Fertilizer Options To Grow Healthy & Optimal Orchid Plants

Eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium and potassium, which are nutrients orchids thrive on. ...
Epsom salt. Magnesium can be provided to orchids using Epsom salt. ...
Milk or Buttermilk. ...
Molasses. ...
Nitrogen. ...
Nutrients. ...
Potatoes. ...
Rice Water.

How do I get my orchids to bloom?

With the right amount of tender love and care, you can get your orchid to rebloom.

Here are three easy steps to make your orchid rebloom:
1) Not enough light.
2) Too much light.
3) Temperature.
4) Fertilizer.
5) Repotting.
6) Season.
7) Too much water.

Why are my orchids not blooming?

Like all plants, orchids require sufficient light in order to produce flowers. Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to re-bloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. The lush, rich, dark green of most houseplants is not desirable in orchid leaves.

Should orchids be misted?

There is simply no need to mist orchids, as watering normally will result in the plant getting plenty of water. The best way to water orchids, particularly phalaenopsis orchids, which are the most popular variety in our homes, is to water thoroughly but infrequently.

Do you water orchids from the top or bottom?

When you water, water thoroughly: The water should pour out from the bottom of the pot. ... Never let the pots of orchids sit in water for over a few hours: If the orchid pots have saucers, make sure to keep them free of water.

How long does it take for orchids to rebloom?

It takes a month or two, or even several months for Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom. Many other varieties of orchids bloom annually. The anticipation and eventual reward of an emerging flower spike bedecked with tiny buds are so exciting.

How do you not kill an orchid?

8 Ways to Kill Your Orchid

Water it every day. ...
Establish a watering schedule for your orchid. ...
Water your orchid whenever you water your other plants. ...
Water your Phalaenopsis orchid with ice cubes. ...
Find out where your orchid is native to and water it when the Weather Channel says it's raining there.