How to choose and apply fertilizers for an orchid at home for growth and flowering

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are a great alternative to store-bought ones. Their main advantage is the ability to do it yourself at home

Experienced florists recommend paying attention to such products:

Yeast and sugar (can be replaced with glucose). Solutions based on these products help accelerate plant growth, replenish vital energy and increase resistance to disease. One gram of dry yeast and one teaspoon of sugar is enough for one liter of water. The solution is infused for one day, and then they can be watered and sprayed on the plant.
Garlic. Garlic water or infusion is made on its basis. You will need two or three cloves of garlic, which should be crushed with a knife and filled with a glass of water. You need to insist at least two hours. The tool perfectly helps to cope with harmful insects and pathogenic microorganisms.
Hydrogen peroxide. It is distinguished by disinfecting properties, so product-based solutions are useful. Plants are watered with them to disinfect damage. You will need a 3% solution of the product, which is diluted on the basis that 30 milliliters of peroxide is enough for one liter of water.
Sugar. Sweet water is made on its basis. It is known that glucose is essential for plant growth. When diluting, one tablespoon of sugar per 500 milliliters of warm water is enough.
Honey. On its basis, honey water is made, the composition of which is rich in vitamins and microelements necessary for plant growth. The product is diluted in the proportion of one third of a teaspoon per glass of water.
Banana peel. This food is rich in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. First, the peel of one banana must be infused in one liter of warm water. Then the plant is treated with this infusion.
Wood ash. It is a mineral fertilizer used to regulate water balance and accelerate the appearance of flower stalks. It can be used dry, sprinkling with soil, and also as a solution with a low concentration. It is enough to dilute 200 grams of ash in one liter of water.
Tea and coffee. These are homemade organic fertilizers, the composition of which is represented by a smaller amount of useful elements and minerals compared to other products. Tea or coffee is brewed so that a slightly colored solution is obtained (its color should be light brown and almost transparent), and is used for watering. You can also feed your plants with coffee grounds.
Water from boiled potatoes. Its composition is rich in potassium. The liquid must be cooled to room temperature before use.
Onion peel decoction (weak). It contains potassium. In addition, the product helps protect the plant from disease and decay. One glass of husk is enough for a three-liter container of boiling water. You need to infuse the broth for at least eight hours, and then dilute a glass of liquid with three glasses of chilled settled water - and you can water the orchid.
Castor oil. It promotes abundant flowering of the plant. It will take one liter of water, in which one teaspoon of the product is diluted. Before use, you need to shake the solution thoroughly so that the oil breaks down into small fractions and does not burn the plant.

By the way, there are some products that should be in the "first aid kit" for an orchid. These include:

Charcoal. He is able to kill pathogens of fungal diseases. The agents are used to treat the cut sites in order to dry and disinfect them. For lubrication, mix one teaspoon of powder with a teaspoon of water. For spraying, you need to dilute one teaspoon of the product in one liter of water.
Urea.It is a nitrogen type fertilizer that is very beneficial for weakened plants. In addition, the agent is used to remove the plant from the period of winter dormancy. One teaspoon of the product is enough, which is diluted in one liter of warm water. Can be used after cooling to room temperature.
Succinic acid. It is a powerful product to be used when needed, not as a regular feeding product. The acid heals the plant, accelerates the growth of vegetative mass, and stimulates the release of buds. Enough 1 g of product per 500 ml of liquid.
Ammonium (calcium) nitrate. This is a strong nitrogen fertilizer used in case of poor growth, absence of new leaves, prolonged dormancy of the plant, loss of color. For root feeding, you will need 2 g of ammonium nitrate per 1 liter of water, and for foliar feeding, you need to take a solution that is two times weaker.

The need for fertilization

The period when the plant is covered with flowers is a special time for each representative of the flora. At this time, the orchid needs special and proper care. In order for the result to meet expectations, it is necessary not only to choose the right fertilizers, but also to perform the work taking into account all the rules.

It is strongly discouraged to feed the plant if it was already covered with buds at the time of purchase. This suggests that during the growth of the peduncle, the flower received all the necessary elements for further flowering. But with the onset of a new period, you should definitely add a new portion of top dressing.

If you buy a plant from a specialty store, chances are the flower will be sold growing in fertile soil. The soil contains all the elements for normal growth and development. Despite this fact, the nutrients in the earth are gradually drying up and in need of renewal.

So that the plant does not start to hurt or wither, it is necessary to make fertilizing with the necessary microelements for the plant. For bright and lush buds, potassium and phosphorus are required. If it is necessary to bias the growth of shoots and foliage, opt for formulations with nitrogen. Be sure to evaluate the composition of the drug before purchasing and using it.

But there are some prohibitions on orchid fertilization.

Top dressing, which is introduced under the root, is contraindicated for a weakened flower. And also discard them during exuberant flowering.
If you just transplanted an orchid to a new place, forget about fertilization for a while. Must completely go through the adaptation period. This will take about a month.
In the hot season, it is better to abandon the introduction of nutrients or greatly reduce them, especially if the flower is outside and is exposed to sunlight and hot air.

When and how often should you fertilize?

To choose the optimal type of fertilizer for an orchid, one should focus on the stage of the plant's life.

After the purchase

It is best to transplant it into fresh soil immediately after purchasing a flower. If the soil is supplied with all nutrients, the first feeding is done after 3-4 months.

Growth period

After the bud of the future arrow begins to form on the plant, it is important to feed it with a high content of nitrogen fertilizers that ensure the growth of shoots. Concentration should not be overused so as not to delay the development of the peduncle.

The optimal rate of foliar feeding is 1-2 g of urea with the addition of trace elements per 1 liter of water.
For regular watering, the nutrient solution should contain 1-1.5 g of the same fertilizer.

Before a set of buds

For the correct formation of buds, fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium are included in the top dressing.

1 foliar feeding 0.5-1 g of urea per 1 liter of water.
Weekly liquid compound fertilizer.

During flowering

Someone thinks that at this stage of the plant's life, feeding should be excluded, someone recommends continuing.The best option would be to stay at the "golden mean".

Important! Fertilize phalaenopsis no more than 1 time per week.

1 foliar feeding 0.5-1 g of urea per 1 liter of water.
Complex fertilizer once a week.
1-2 watering 1-1.5 g of potassium phosphate per 1 liter of water.

How to speed up flowering at home?

To stimulate the formation of flower arrows and planting buds, orchids can change the usual regime of watering and feeding. To do this, watering and fertilization are reduced in September. A plant "frightened" by stress quickly sets up a peduncle. At this moment, for phalaenopsis, the concentration of the applied fertilizer should be doubled.

Winter period

At this time, phalaenopsis does not need feeding, it is resting. If for some reason you consider it necessary to add a fertilizing solution, then its concentration should be minimized.

How to feed Phalaenopsis at home?

Fertilizers for Phalaenopsis orchids can be administered in two ways: root or foliar. At the first, the plant is fed in the morning for about half an hour after watering, due to which useful trace elements quickly come from the substrate to the roots. To do this, the orchid is placed in a solution with fertilizer for 15-20 minutes. Further, in order for excess liquid to drain, you need to place it in a place where there is no draft. If there is a draft, the plant will rot. And only then put the flower pot in its permanent place.

But the foliar (leaf) feeding method is used more often. In order to avoid the bright rays of the sun, which can cause burns, fertilization is carried out in the morning or in the evening.

The first step is to gently spray the roots on the surface and leaves with a special solution. In this case, you need to try not to touch the flowers and buds. This method is convenient for injured roots, when there is a deficiency of micronutrients. When spraying a plant, you need to look so that moisture does not remain in its outlet, otherwise it can rot.

Those who want to find the best fertilizer for the phalaenopsis orchid should pay attention to the following concentrated feedings:

Agricola. This is a mineral fertilizer that was created specifically for feeding orchids. The introduction of the drug allows you to improve the appearance of the flower, helps it grow faster. The advantages of such a product include ease of dosing and use, since it dissolves well in water.
Brexil Combi. This is a combined fertilizer that includes a large number of useful elements necessary if there is a deficiency of iron-containing substances in the flower.
"Dr. Foley". This product is intended for foliar fertilization. The advantages include ease of use, a large amount of vitamins, nutrients and essential acids.
Bona Forte. Liquid combined product designed for feeding orchids. Contains many substances that are needed for normal plant growth. Fertilizer is well diluted, has an affordable cost.
Pocon. This feeding in the form of sticks is the product of a Dutch manufacturer. Recommended to apply twice a month. The tool is convenient to use, the price is affordable.
Fasco. This fertilizer is specially formulated for the care of orchids. The active ingredients that make up it contribute to the growth of leaves.

All of the above preparations provide effective feeding. Before fertilizing phalaenopsis, you must carefully study the instructions and strictly follow all the recommendations indicated in it.

Important! An increased concentration of fertilizer in the substrate is considered very dangerous for all varieties of orchids. It is recommended to take 1 ml of liquid for feeding per liter of water to prepare the solution. Artificial introduction of feeding is not considered an important measure to ensure the growth and development of phalaenopsis

The flower itself can receive a significant amount of useful elements from the external environment. But, nevertheless, experts advise, to get acquainted with how to properly fertilize the phalaenopsis orchid in order to accelerate the growth of the plant and improve its flowering

Artificial feeding is not considered an important measure to ensure the growth and development of phalaenopsis. A flower can itself receive a significant amount of useful elements from the external environment.

But, nevertheless, experts advise that you familiarize yourself with how to properly fertilize the phalaenopsis orchid in order to accelerate the growth of the plant and improve its flowering.

Fertilizing products

Fertilizing an orchid is best done with a liquid product. It already has the required dosage and it is not necessary to measure out the required amount of granules. It is advisable to use fertilizers that contain calcium and iron.

You can extend flowering by adding top dressing, which is added a couple of weeks before the buds begin to appear. The best fertilizer for orchids is liquid formulations, because other feeding methods do not absorb well into the soil.

Use a liquid solution if necessary and carefully. After buying a flower, transplanting it or during flowering, do not feed the orchid

And the growth stimulator should be applied to a healthy flower. If the sun's rays hit it, then you don't even need to spray it, as with a draft. Care must be taken to ensure that when spraying, the agent does not get on the flowers.

Organic fertilizer is needed in order to fix the plant in the pot. For this, the bark of trees or soil that allows air to pass through and accumulates moisture is suitable. Horse manure is considered a good fertilizer. It must be diluted in water at a low concentration and watered during the growth of the deciduous mass. It also contains useful components for abundant flowering - potassium and phosphorus.

In addition to the necessary components (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus), the plant needs magnesium for photosynthesis and also iron, glucose and B vitamins. Phosphorus and calcium affect the color qualities of the orchid. If there is not enough potassium and phosphorus, then the buds will not be able to form, and nitrogen exchange will be disrupted. Since there are few useful substances in the bark, the main way to replenish them at home should be the addition of mineral fertilizers.

Substral Orchid Food and Bioekor are considered common nitrogen fertilizers for orchids. They must be used during the growing season of the flower, and added at the moment when, after a dormant period, the culture increases its leaf mass. This usually occurs in the spring along with an increase in the sun's heat when the buds wake up. Nitrogen must be stirred in water and added twice a month.

Fertilizers from stores contain all the useful and necessary substances, but some growers use folk, improvised means.

Is it possible to fertilize with folk methods and what is better to use:

Tea and coffee.
Yeast and sugar. Glucose is needed for growth while absorbing beneficial components. Sugar can be sprinkled on roots or dissolved in warm water.
Banana peel. Insist it in a liter of water for a couple of days, then add a little more water and water the orchid.
There is a lot of potassium in the water from boiled potatoes. You need to cool it, then strain and water the flower.
The onion peel broth also contains a lot of potassium, which helps against diseases and rot. To prepare it, you need to take a 3-liter jar, make an infusion in it, let it brew for 8 hours, then dilute with water and water.
The ash from conifers is enriched with minerals. Prepare such a solution in a low concentration.

Many growers use folk fertilizers, since they are easy to prepare, but in order to properly fertilize and feed the plant with them, you need to know a lot and have experience.

Features of feeding orchids

Most orchid species are epiphytic plants.In nature, such crops grow on tropical trees and rocks, using them exclusively for support. In nature, rainwater and dew flows down the surface of trees and rocks, washing out nutrients from humus deposits on the bark, moss and lichens. The tropical sun is shining brightly. The resulting nutrient solution saturates the surface of the plants and is quickly absorbed by the orchid.

The main difference between an orchid and plants we know is the roots. They are covered with spongy dead tissue - velamen. The covering tissue is not able to absorb moisture, it is soaked into it through the capillaries and reaches the next layer of the roots. Further, moisture is absorbed by the orchid under close lighting conditions. The more intense the lighting, the more active the process of assimilation of moisture by the plant, along with it and nutrients.

If an orchid is actively watered and fed at low light levels, it simply will not absorb moisture and nutrition. As a result, the roots rot, become salted and may die. Therefore, when growing an orchid, first of all, you need to take care of lighting.

Fertilizing products

For feeding orchids at home, liquid preparations are used. The composition of such fertilizers includes the necessary macro- and microelements, succinic acid, vitamins. When buying a drug, you need a note on it "Fertilizers for orchids". The minerals included in the composition stop the deposition of salts in the substrate, maintain a certain acidity of the soil.

Organic fertilizers for orchid bloom

Manufacturers produce organic additives for orchids in the form of humates and vermicompost. For epiphytes, this type of supplement is harmful. Humic acids restore microflora, which decomposes organic matter. Therefore, the bark, moss are quickly destroyed, become unusable. It is better to use organic additives from natural ingredients, homemade.

Horse manure, or mullein, is dissolved in water 1:10 and the plants are watered. Dry manure is also used, it is laid out on the surface of the substrate, when watering it is absorbed. The orchid is fed with banana peels, compost, garlic water, potato broth, and tree ash.

Popular mineral preparations

Mineral liquid fertilizer is added carefully and only if necessary. The concentration of the substance is reduced by 3-5 times than indicated in the instructions, so as not to burn the roots

The growth stimulator is used only for a healthy flower.

Best fertilizer for orchids:

Zircon - strengthens the roots, promotes the formation of buds. Dilute 1 ml zircon in a bucket of water.
Epin is a stimulant for the development of rhizomes. Protects the immune system, a source of vitamins. Used for immersion and irrigation.
Agricola is a thick fertilizer for root nutrition, for lush flowering, dissolves completely in water. For 1 liter of liquid, take 5 ml of the drug, watered according to the instructions twice a month.
Bona Forte - provides long flowering, helps to restore lateral growth. For 15 liters of water - 10 ml of the substance.
Dr. Foley - contains vitamins, amino acids. Used 1-2 times a month.
Brexil Combi - helps with chlorosis, contains iron and other minerals. For a bucket of water - 5 ml of the substance.

Other preparations for feeding orchids for flowering:

Substral;
Greenworld;
Etisso;
Compo;
Master;
Fasco;
Pocon;
Joy;
Ideal;
The effect;
Flower heaven.

Attention! Do not use or mix several drugs at once.

In addition to complex fertilizers, growth stimulants are used. They enhance the effect of mineral preparations, help accelerate growth and build up roots.

Growth stimulants:

Kornevin - stimulates the development of the root system. For 5 g of powder, 5 liters of water, watering once a month.
Florgumate is a broad-acting drug that increases the duration of flowering, stimulates root growth, and increases disease resistance. For 10 ml of substance 1 liter of water.
Peat oxidate - a humic substance accumulates vitamins and minerals in the substrate, removes toxins from the orchid, and nourishes the cells. Dilute 40 ml of the drug into 10 liters of water.

Fertilizer

It is best to feed it with ready-made liquid preparations, the main thing is that the composition contains iron and calcium, which maintain the desired level of soil acidity. If the acidity of the soil is high or low, then the flower will not be able to absorb nutrients.

Organic fertilizers

Its soil consists of organic matter. Among other things, the composition of the soil usually includes the bark of trees or any plant substrate, the main thing is that it does not accumulate water and let air through to the roots.

It is better to feed it with horse manure strongly diluted in water, which contains a large amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are necessary for successful flowering. This remedy is usually given in the spring during the growing season.

Mineral dressing

For an orchid to bloom successfully, the fertilizer must be mainly potassium. But in addition to his orchid, other equally useful elements are needed for good growth:

Potassium - Without it, phalaenopsis will not be able to bloom luxuriantly, it will often get sick.
Phosphorus - Responsible for the development of roots, without it the plant will grow poorly, will refuse to bloom.
Nitrogen - Thanks to it, the leaves and stems grow healthy and strong. If you overdo it with this substance, then the buds will not bloom.
Sulfur, iron - Yellow leaves are a sign of their lack, then Phalaenopsis often gets sick with chlorosis.
Magnesium, boron - With a lack of them, the buds dry out and fall off prematurely.

Drugs

The most popular and effective preparations for feeding Phalaenopsis are:

Agricola - This cheap and affordable top dressing was specially developed for this moody plant. It contains the necessary substances that give strength for lush flowering and growing green mass. Sold in powder form, it dissolves easily in water.
Bona Forte - Most flower growers purchase this very inexpensive drug, since even if used improperly, it will not be able to cause any harm to Phalaenopsis. Therefore, it is recommended for novice flower growers who dream of growing a lush orchid. Due to the large amount of nutrients in this preparation, the flower easily tolerates improper watering, lack of lighting, draft and other unfavorable conditions.
Mr. Color - Contains not only potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, but also many useful elements that stimulate the growth of green mass, activate flowering, increase immunity to many diseases and insect pests. Before use, the product is thoroughly diluted in pre-separated water.
Pocon - A more expensive top dressing containing all the necessary elements for good growth and flowering. In addition, this drug controls the acid balance of the soil. Sold in bottles or sticks. The second option is much more convenient, you just need to stick a stick into the ground, then the plant itself will take in as much nutrients as it needs. This stick is changed once a quarter.
Rainbow of flowers - The Japanese invented it quite recently, in such a short time they managed to win the trust of flower growers around the world. Each variety has its own color of the preparation. The main components of the composition are potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, bioactive enzymes and vitamins. It is very simple to use, just stick a small bottle into the ground, bottom up.
RET Joy - Suitable not only for orchids, but also for flowers of its kind. Helps to prolong flowering and builds green mass, easily absorbed by the roots. Leaves can be sprayed with this drug, but diluted well in water in advance so as not to burn the greens and roots. They are given only in the summer. It is better not to add it during flowering.

Fertilizing flowers

When carrying out top dressing, it must be borne in mind that if it is too concentrated, then this can lead to root burns. It is not recommended to use stick or pill form of orchid fertilizer, which creates an uneven fertilizer concentration in the ground. Therefore, the following methods are applied.

Careful care of the orchid will allow you to grow a beautiful plant

Foliar nutrition

Such feeding is carried out using a sprayer. When carrying out it, the following rules must be observed:

Before spraying, you need to dissolve the fertilizer in water.
It is necessary to use a spray gun that does not form a jet, but sprays in small drops.
Before feeding, it is necessary to shake the prepared composition.
It is necessary to evenly process the leaves from the top and bottom sides. Aerial roots are sprayed only lightly.
It is recommended to perform the procedure in the evening or morning hours.
Not all parts of the plant can be sprayed. It is forbidden to do this in relation to flowers, growth points and shoot roots.
After processing, flowers should not be immediately placed in direct sunlight. Otherwise, wet leaves can get burned.

It is permissible to apply fertilizers in this way at a temperature of 18-26 degrees. The water should be slightly warmer than the air. It is recommended to stand it before spraying.

Root dressing

Important! Water the plant before root feeding. High humidity will reduce the risk of burns from concentrated fertilizers

You need to do the following:

Dilute orchid feed in water at the concentration specified in the instructions.
The resulting composition is poured into a low and wide dish.
The pot with the orchid is placed there for 20-25 minutes.
A little dressing is sprayed on the surface of the soil.
After finishing the treatment, the pot is placed on a dry tray, allowing the water to drain.

For feeding, use only settled, soft water, which is slightly warmer than the air. It is impossible to put a flower in direct sunlight immediately after it ends.

Do you need feeding during the flowering period?

This plant requires careful care from its owner. The orchid needs special attention during flowering. Compliance with the rules of feeding is a necessary condition for the further favorable development of your exotic friend at home. Many growers disagree about the advisability of additional nutrition for the orchid during its flowering. There are two competing points of view.

According to the first of them, the plant spends a huge amount of energy and internal resources during the flowering period, therefore, the introduction of additional fertilizers tones the orchid and improves its condition. The opposite opinion says that at this time it is best to leave the plant alone, since frequent feeding often leads to a reduction in the flowering period, causing accelerated wilting and death of the buds. What opinion should be followed? Experts recommend sticking to the golden mean. This means that it is possible and necessary to fertilize an orchid during the flowering period, but while observing certain rules and restrictions.

Plant feeding during the flowering period

Phalaenopsis requires intensive fertilization before flowering, which can be easily identified by the formation of the first buds. At this time, feeding is recommended to be done twice a week. This will allow the plant to maintain maximum vitality and will have a beneficial effect on the formation of buds. With the onset of the active phase, when most of the peduncles are blooming, it is better to reduce the number of dressings to once a week. Otherwise, you risk provoking an accelerated flow of flowering processes, as well as stopping the development of new buds.

Also pay attention to the time of year. In the spring and autumn months, feeding should be carried out more often than in winter and summer.

Usually at this time, fertilization is applied approximately once a month. Before flowering, this should be done 2-3 times. It is recommended to feed the orchid exclusively during daylight hours, preferably before noon. Experts say that it is in the morning hours that the root system of the plant is most susceptible and capable of absorbing the maximum allowable amount of nutrients and trace elements from the substrate. Orchids, especially such as phalaenopsis, should be fed immediately after watering. Fertilizing dry soil can cause severe burns and damage to the plant's root system.

How to feed?

at home

Complex universal fertilizers. They are used in the event that there is nothing else. The main thing to remember is that water is taken 3 times more than it is written on the package, because the solution should not be concentrated.
Liquid fertilizers for orchids. A great option. Diluted with water twice as much as recommended on the pack. Perfect - Bona Forte.
Special solutions. Also in specialty stores you can find solutions that are intended for foliar dressing. Since they are available in spray form, it is convenient to use.

The following dressings will not work:

Sticks and tablets should never be used in orchid soil. Their uneven distribution will occur in the ground, and this threatens to damage the roots in places of concentration.
A variety of folk remedies can only harm the flower.
Universal complexes are used in the rarest cases.

Outside

If the orchid grows in open ground, then it does not need fertilization so much. But, if necessary, all the same types are acceptable as for an indoor flower. For example, during the flowering period, you can take Bion Flora. It is inexpensive and contains enough nutrients.

You can read more about different orchid feeding products here.

Varieties of feeding

Most often, root dressing is used to fertilize orchids, but this is not the only way to nourish the plant with useful microelements.

There is also a foliar fertilizer that is less commonly used but also considered effective. To choose the method that is better and more convenient, you need to understand their features:

The root feeding method allows you to quickly deliver all the necessary minerals and substances to the roots of the orchid. The best way to use this method is to pour fertilizer into a container and place a flower pot in it. The fertilizer / water mixture must be diluted according to the instructions on the package. After 15-20 minutes, the orchid pot must be pulled out of the container, the excess fertilizer will drain.
The foliar method is used in case of damage to the phalaenopsis root system, when it is necessary to urgently deliver trace elements and heal the plant. Often, a spray bottle is used for this, and the liquid is gently sprayed onto the leaves. This fertilization method is also recommended during the period of active root growth, so as not to burn the young shoots.

Each grower can try both ways of feeding an orchid and choose the one that seems to him the most convenient and effective. After all, each plant can react differently to a new composition and new care procedures. So it is better to use an individual approach and rely only on your own opinion.