When to Fertilize Orchids? What fertilizer?

When and how to apply fertilizer to orchids? What is the favorable period? What natural ingredients should you choose to feed this amazing plant without chemicals? What you need to know to get generous flowers!

When to Fertilize Orchids?

When it comes to growing these plants, this topic is one of the most talked about on the web: when to fertilize orchids. Before answering you, I will first explain the natural cycle of this exotic plant. Growth of these leaves begins in summer/early fall while the flower stalks emerge in late fall/early winter. Finally, flowering occurs in early spring and can last for several months.

Once flowering is over, you can add compost. After my Phalaenopsis flowers, I fertilize every two weeks or once a month. This is actually a dormant period during which the plant stores energy for its next flowering. So now is the right time to feed it.

attention : I advise you to fertilize in moderation as too much fertilizer will harm the plant itself. This is especially true for synthetic fertilizers that contain many mineral salts, including potassium and calcium. Over time, this accumulates in the pot and thus causes serious damage to the orchid. What’s more, overfed plants grow too quickly, which can weaken them and make them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. Natural orchid fertilizer is probably the best solution and I give you some good options to consider.

What is the best fertilizer for orchids?

One of the most beautiful houseplants, orchids are falsely accused of being difficult to care for. You just need to know their needs well and they will reward you with generous and lasting flowers. So, now that you know when to fertilize orchids, let me move on to another important topic, which is the type of fertilizer to use. Focus on natural ingredients that are inexpensive, non-toxic and allow you to reduce your waste! Does it interest you?

Banana peel as orchid fertilizer

Did you know that using banana peels as orchid fertilizer is one of the most popular methods of feeding this exotic plant? Due to its content of vitamins and mineral salts, including potassium and magnesium, banana peels should not be underestimated. In terms of usage, there are two options available to you:

1. Wash the skins well and cut them into small pieces. Then soak them in a bowl filled with two liters of water for 48 hours. Filter the solution and use for watering.
2. Another technique is to prepare banana tea. Always start by washing and cutting the peel into small pieces. Arrange this on a cutting board and let it dry in the sun for 48 hours. Then transfer them to a blender bowl (or food processor) and blend until you get a powder. Take a teaspoon of it and put it in 200 ml of hot water. Stir and let cool. Use for watering.

cooking water

Believe it or not, reusing the cooking water from your vegetables makes an excellent natural orchid fertilizer. Two conditions apply: it must be unsalted and chilled. Cooked vegetables release many nutrients into the water, which are essential for plant growth. In terms of use, nothing could be simpler: use for watering.

ash

Ashes from your fireplace come to your orchid’s rescue! Rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements, this litter provides a veritable cocktail of nutrients essential to the good health of this exquisite plant. Wear gloves and scatter a small amount directly onto the orchid soil.

Eggshells

I conclude with a suggestion that your orchid will surely appreciate. Applying eggshells to plants not only gives them a boost, but also helps fight pests and diseases. Its merit goes to the high calcium and potassium content. Crush the shells finely before sprinkling on the surface.