When, with what and how often?

Which nutrients should orchid fertilizers contain a priori?

Most orchids thrive epiphytically. They cling to the branches of mighty rainforest trees while their Aerial roots take the essential nutrients from rain or blown leaves. These main components should be a good one Orchid fertilizer bring along:

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

The magnificent flowers are naturally more geared towards a nutrient diaspora. The concentrated load more conventional Flower fertilizer

(€ 28.92 at Amazon *) The sensitive roots do not tolerate them, and the high salt concentration in particular is a problem for them. Therefore, explore below suitable fertilizers that take the unorthodox habitus into account.

Liquid fertilizers for orchids score with numerous advantages

Orchid fertilizers in liquid form convince with a special composition that is precise is tailored to the needs of demanding plants from the 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 time of year. How to use the fertilizer correctly:

• Add to the irrigation or immersion 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 resting

Unless the Orchid soil has dried on, please pour clear water first and only then add the liquid fertilizer. For young plants or freshly acquired orchids, we recommend first halving the dosage specified by the manufacturer.

Chopsticks as orchid fertilizer are not always the ultimate

Stick-shaped fertilizers are very popular in the care of indoor plants. When pressed into the substrate in adequate numbers, the plant is well supplied with all nutrients for the next 3 months. That saves time and money. The effectiveness of this method on orchids is viewed critically among experts. Since the substrate must be moist so that the active ingredients are distributed, it is coarser, more porous Orchid soil this requirement is not always met. Furthermore, there may be a concentrated release of nutrients at certain points, while the more distant root strands go empty-handed.

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 indignantly to waterlogging and in the worst case die due to root rot. With these premises in mind, 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 one NPK formulation of 0.1-0.25-0.25, the orchid absorbs moisture and fertilizer through its leaves and Aerial roots. Especially for orchids cultivated without a substrate, such as Vanda, foliar fertilization is an excellent alternative. How to properly apply the remedy:

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

Homeopathic fertilizer - ideal for ecologically minded orchid gardeners

Organic fertilizers, like Horn shavings,(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Compost or guano granulate are unsuitable for supplying orchids with nutrients. 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 stay true to your line in orchid care.

Various manufacturers offer homeopathic fertilizer sprays as ready-to-use tonic for your orchids. It contains only natural components such as worm humus, horsetail extract, guano(€ 9.82 at Amazon *) or copper sulfate. If used regularly during the growth and flowering period, the flower formation is activated, the leaf growth is promoted and the resistance is strengthened.

Earth orchids gladly accept compost and horn shavings

No time-consuming pull-ups are required for the nutrient supply for your hardy earth orchids in the garden. These robust orchid species, such as orchids or lady's slipper, gratefully accept ripe leaf compost and horn shavings as a starter fertilizer in spring. In late summer, potassium-rich strengthens Comfrey manure the winter hardiness.