Fertilizer for orchids: how to choose the right one

Capable of dazzling, even the little lovers of plants. This is how orchids are: plants that, in just a few years, have been able to gain ground and popularity among those that have broken that myth of being difficult to grow. Much more resistant than it seems at first glance, there is an aspect that we have to take care of if we want our plant to grow with well-being: the fertilizer for orchids.

An essential nutrient supplement for plants that, due to their vegetal nature, do not have the capacity to absorb nutrients from a fertile substrate like others. Given that in their natural state they are parasitic plants and usually live suspended from trees, the genetics of orchids make them absorb everything they need to live, grow and flourish through the moisture in their roots.

Precisely for this reason, orchid fertilizer is essential for them. A contribution of nutrition and fertilizers that should not be selected lightly but, rather, must be made according to the specific needs of the plant at each moment of its vegetative cycle.

CHOOSE FERTILIZER FOR ORCHIDS ACCORDING TO THE MOMENT OF THE PLANT

Before reviewing which fertilizer for orchids is the ideal for each moment of the plant, a paragraph must be made. And it is that although it is true that orchids are grown in an inert substrate or even with the roots in the air, it is essential to change it from time to time. Unlike fertile substrates, the one used for orchids is usually pine bark and does not lose its nutritional capacity, since it lacks it. However, given its porosity, it can trap suspended substances in the environment inside our home or office.

For this reason and given that wood does not have the capacity to regenerate, the ideal is that every two years maximum we consider changing the substrate for our orchid. An opportunity, also, to transplant it to a larger pot that allows the growth of its root system; and an opportunity, for example, to eliminate those that may have become ill if we have made the mistake of overwatering an orchid.

A way to have a solid base for our plant but also with an ideal sanitized habitat to apply the orchid fertilizer that it requires at that time.

In the cultivation of these plants, we have to identify several specific moments that will determine the type of fertilizer for orchids to use:

regular maintenance

Due to the characteristics of the substrate, orchids need an external supply of nutrients as part of their care. A gesture that will help the plant to grow, and maintain that well-being that translates into green and upright leaves that are renewed alternately.

To achieve this, the ideal is that we apply an orchid fertilizer rich in micronutrients once a month. We can choose to use a liquid fertilizer for orchids, which we will include in the irrigation water; or by using slow-release fertilizer wands. Although either of the two systems is valid, the second option is perfect for the forgetful, since it will be the plant itself that takes the nutrients it needs, independently of the human hand.

With these doses of fertilizer for orchids we will also be helping the plant to increase its defenses. A way to protect it against any external attack.

Support for the growing and flowering season

Although the characteristics of the different types of orchids vary, in general practically all of them have the same period of growth and flowering: from mid-spring to early autumn. A time of the year that coincides with the increase in one of the fundamental aspects for the development of orchids: the incidence of sunlight.

For this moment, the orchid fertilizer that we choose must have a higher concentration of nitrogen. A fundamental component to stimulate the growth of the plant, nourishing it to favor both the development of its leaves and roots and the dark object of desire of any lover of these plants: their flowers.How to make an orchid bloom quickly is one of the objectives of anyone who grows these plants, and for this, fertilizer is essential.

Fertilizer for moments of weakness of the orchid

Although they are incredibly hardy plants, orchids also go through times of weakness. In addition to fungi, which are the main threat to these plants and must be combated with a specific fungicide for orchids, they are also the target of the most common pests in the garden in the months of good weather. After eradicating them with an ecological spray insecticide, it is more than likely that the plant will need a supply of fertilizer to help it regain its good shape.

For these types of moments, we will have to opt for a revitalizing liquid that can either be sprayed directly on the leaves; or we can apply directly to the roots, something that we can do if we opt for a fertilizer for orchids in pipettes.

Simple pampering to dispense to our plant that will be rewarded with the best of its gifts: its wonderful flowering.

If you need to buy fertilizer for orchids or any other product related to their cultivation, discover our selection> Orchids