How to feed an orchid if there is no special fertilizer. How to properly feed orchids at home

Many amateur gardeners are aware of the wayward nature of the tropical beauty - the orchid. In a natural warm and humid environment, it grows and blooms profusely on trees and even rocks, that is, wherever it can find support for roots. In home conditions, which are very far from natural, it requires special care and increased attention from its owner. As a rule, specialized stores sell already flowering plants. Only in this form can you evaluate the quality of the flower and its variety.

Peculiarities

Orchids are often purchased as a gift. They can replace the most beautiful bouquet, maintaining a fresh look much longer. And how great the disappointment can be when a tender capricious woman withers, gets sick, stops flowering, or even dies. Correct development of an orchid is possible with careful compliance with several specific conditions: she loves warmth and high humidity. For abundant flowering, it needs to provide the necessary soil composition and fertilize regularly and correctly.

When purchasing an orchid, it is important to familiarize yourself with the conditions of its natural habitat. In the tropics there are many species of orchids, differing in the length and structure of the stem, the size and color of the flower, and the structure of the root system. But only some varieties are suitable for import.

The most common orchids belong to a large group of epiphytes.. They grow on other plants, using their woody system as support for their roots. Therefore, to ensure soil suitable for their life a substrate containing a certain amount of wood and moss components is required.

The second most common type is lithophyte orchids, for the same purposes they use rocks and stone ledges. Naturally, in the middle zone Breeding these types of orchids is possible only in a specialized greenhouse.

Moisture and nutrients are supplied not only by the roots, but also by the long, wide, fleshy leaves. They are able to provide the plant with them without additional watering for quite a long time.

This structure of the plant determines the feeding characteristics. There are root and foliar feeding.

Root feeding supplies the required amount of macro- and microelements. This process in orchids is somewhat different from other plants. The roots of the flower must first be moistened generously. The pot with the orchid should be carefully immersed in a wide bowl with clean water, and the fertilizer should be diluted with warm filtered water. It's important to remember that the concentration of the solution must be carefully observed, otherwise the roots can be burned.

All medications are administered only in liquid form. The plant watered with fertilizer should be left in the tray for 20 minutes.

Foliar feeding It is recommended to do it in cloudy weather or in the morning so that the leaves do not get exposed to sunlight. For foliar feeding, the fertilizer must be diluted in a double portion of liquid. Thoroughly irrigated only leaves on both sides and exposed roots. The solution should not come into contact with flowers and buds. This type of feeding is carried out during the period of active root growth and for weakened plants.

Flower growers need to remember that at home, the flower enters the dehydrated air of heated rooms. The soil substrate suitable for planting them is prepared on the basis of pine bark, and is therefore loose and poor in composition. That is why orchids, more than other plants, need regular and proper nutrition.

Mistakes made by the owner can cause the plant to either freeze in development or die.

Kinds

Natural features allow us to talk about the orchid as a plant that is capable of independently extracting the substances it needs from the environment. Therefore, the owner of what appears at first glance to be a very whimsical beauty simply needs to pay attention to the simple rules of care.

Preparations intended for fertilizing orchids can be divided into three types: folk remedies, complex fertilizers, special fertilizers. The use of each of these products is necessary for orchids; it is only important to remember that their composition is very dependent on the condition of the plant, the environment, and the time of year.

Folk remedies

Experienced gardeners often use improvised means to nourish orchids, many of which are easy to find at home. Such decoctions and infusions are prepared immediately before use, since they cannot be stored for a long time, and this type of plant should be fertilized no more than once a week.

Very useful vitamin infusion, rich in minerals, in particular potassium, easily can be made from banana peels. To do this, the peel of one fruit needs to be crushed and left for two days. Then strain and dilute with warm water in a ratio of 1/2. It is useful to wipe the leaves with the back of a fresh skin.

Minerals are present in quantities sufficient for orchids in black tea. But it is not recommended to use this remedy often, since tea oxidizes the soil.

Decoctions of potatoes and onion peels will also enrich the soil with potassium and phosphorus. To do this, the peel of one medium onion (it’s a good idea to add citrus skins) needs to be boiled for ten minutes, let it sit, and dilute the broth until light. You can also pour boiling water over potato peelings and cool. You can use the liquid drained after boiling potatoes. A teaspoon of sugar will help further enrich the composition.
Several times per season (but no more than three) flowers can be fed with yeast. They greatly promote plant growth. For orchids, yeast tincture is used in lower concentrations than for all others. One gram is enough per liter of water. For better fermentation, you can add a little sugar. They should be left to steep for about a day.

Closer to mineral fertilizers than to organic ones, wood ash infusion. This substance contains quite a lot of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Well-sifted ash should be poured with boiling water (no more than three tablespoons per liter), wrapped warmly and left for about two days. The resulting solution must be diluted in a ratio of 1/10.

The safest option for orchids is the following: pour the ash solution into a wide but not very deep bowl, then immerse the pot with the plant in it for about 5 minutes, then pour clean water over the roots.

Not only nutritious, but also Garlic water has a disinfecting effect on orchids. To prepare it, you need to pour one liter of boiling water over one head, leave for half an hour, and thoroughly dilute with water (three tablespoons of infusion per liter). Regular treatment with garlic promotes abundant flowering of orchids. Succinic acid will enhance the effect of the procedure.

Many amateur gardeners use it to care for house plants. hydrogen peroxide. This product has an antiseptic effect and protects against pathogenic microbes and harmful insects. In the case of orchids peroxide can be used only in extreme cases and only to strengthen the immune system. This drug does not work as a top dressing. The concentration of the solution should be 3%.

It is important to pay attention to the information indicated on the packaging. If the solution is 98%, then two tablespoons are diluted in a liter of water. A less concentrated solution is absolutely useless.

It is important to remember that you cannot water orchids with this product; soaking the seeds for disinfection is permissible only for 10 minutes, no more.

Using a sprayer, all parts of the plant are sprayed, cleaned of dust and foreign deposits. The moisture should only create a kind of fog around the plant, neither falling on the flowers, nor flowing to the roots, nor accumulating on the leaves. Excess liquid must be removed.

It should be noted that it can be very difficult for beginners to calculate the required concentration and select the right product for each period of the life of orchids. In order not to harm the plant or burn the roots, inexperienced gardeners should still begin care by using specialized products.

Complex fertilizers

Experts advise periodically feeding all house plants; many modern series of fertilizers have been developed for this purpose. Orchids need additional nutrition more than all other flowers. With a careful and careful approach, you can choose something from the general series for them.

The easiest way is to use complex fertilizers, the composition of which is balanced and designed specifically for these flowers. These vitamin cocktails contain the following essential components:

nitrogen, thanks to which the root system, stems and leaves fully develop, but its excess slows down the appearance and development of buds;
potassium, which accelerates plant growth and helps strengthen its endurance;
phosphorus, which is responsible for the formation of a lush flower “cap”;
vitamins (group B, ascorbic acid) and amino acids for better absorption of nutrients and increased immunity;
special components that prevent the deposition of salts and minerals;
Especially worth noting is vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid), which is necessary for damaged and diseased plants.

In addition, the acidity (pH) of the fertilizer must be no lower than 5 and no higher than 7. The concentration of all components is significantly lower than in fertilizers for other plants.

But the plant does not always need all the substances included in the complex fertilizer. You can fertilize orchids more flexibly and quickly special means.

Specialized fertilizers

By and large, all fertilizers in this group can be classified as complex, but still each of them has a narrower effect.

"Bona Forte"- an almost ideal domestic product, which is most often recommended by experienced florists. It dissolves well in water and is almost impossible to harm delicate orchids. The unique composition, which includes, in addition to the basic components, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C, ensures the beautiful appearance and health of the flower.

Thanks to the presence of magnesium, photosynthesis is activated, and succinic acid accelerates plant growth and protects them from many unfavorable factors: drafts, insufficient lighting, low humidity, improper watering. But in order for the buds to develop more intensively, additional phosphorus may be required.

Significantly improves the appearance of plants "Agricola". This easy-to-use domestic fertilizer is available in different forms: powder, gel, sticks, solution, tablets. The composition is especially suitable for feeding plants that have found themselves in a new habitat, sick, weakened flowers.

Very actively protects against fungal diseases. Flowering of plants treated with Agricola is longer and more intense. Flower petals become brighter and more saturated. But for active growth, additional fertilizing with nitrogen may be required.

Significantly activates the development of the orchid root system "Ribav-extra", created on the basis of a special type of mycorrhizal fungi. Research has shown that mycorrhiza, a mutually beneficial symbiosis of these fungi and plant roots, enriches the latter with both essential substances and moisture, improving their nutrition by more than 15 times.

To create this fertilizer was used ginseng root, which increases the effectiveness of the drug. In addition to growth, general health, protection from stressful situations and damage, this fertilizer has a rejuvenating effect and significantly improves the appearance of the plant, increasing the number of flowers and greenery.

Fertilizer is deservedly called “flower happiness” "Fasco". It is especially useful for stimulating the process of bud formation; flowering after it becomes longer and more generous. The same series also includes soil that is ideal for orchids.
Under the brand "Bio Effect" A series of preparations is produced for all types of orchid feeding. It contains cytokinin paste - the most powerful plant growth stimulator, used to awaken the buds and form flower stalks. The soil in this series has a balanced composition, designed specifically for orchids.

Biologically active vitamin cocktails and sprays help plants cope with stressful situations more easily, promote adaptation to new conditions, and stimulate flowering.

"Pokon" Available in two forms: liquid and in sticks, which are inserted and deepened into the ground. It is rightfully considered one of the best remedies, easy to use and can be used all year round. It is produced in Holland, so its price is quite high. But it is used very economically.
The drug differs from other fertilizers "Osmocote". It is produced in granules, which begin to decompose in the soil after watering, gradually supplying useful substances to the roots. It works for quite a long time - more than six months.

How to choose?

Every orchid owner thinks about how to choose the most suitable fertilizer for a tropical beauty so that it blooms for a long time, profusely and beautifully, gives birth to children, is healthy and strong.

When choosing a ready-made mineral fertilizer, you need to pay attention to the richest composition, time of year, plant needs. To regulate metabolic processes it is necessary iron, copper, zinc, potassium, calcium, manganese. Responsible for the formation and growth of roots, stems, leaves phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, proteins, carbon, sulfur. The plant extracts oxygen, hydrogen and carbon from the air itself; it can only obtain other substances from feeding.

The ratio of nutrients differs from their amounts in conventional complex fertilizers, so if you have a choice, you should pay attention to specialized mixtures.

Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus- the main components, their ratio is indicated in numbers on the packaging and for orchids is 3: 1: 2, where 3 parts of nitrogen account for 1 part of phosphorus and 2 parts of potassium. If possible, avoid using fertilizers in stick or tablet form. The characteristics of the soil do not allow such forms to completely dissolve and enrich it.

For the birth of children and the awakening of dormant kidneys, there is an effective and safe drug - cytokinin paste. This remedy causes massive cell division; for active reproduction of orchids, it is enough to lubricate the area on the peduncle.

When and how to feed?

To ensure the vital activity of orchids, it is important not only to choose the right drug, but also to carefully follow the not very complicated processing rules.

The first two weeks at a new place of residence the flower goes through an adaptation period. At this time, it is better not to disturb it at all; you can feed it at home with a weak solution of honey or sugar, carefully spraying the plant.
Before fertilizing it is necessary to assess the condition of the substrate. The older it is, the more microorganisms and fungi live in it, which participate in the formation of the microclimate. With frequent feeding, minerals will accumulate in such an environment, which can lead to the death of roots. New soil, especially one that has been heat-treated or containing synthetic materials, should be fertilized more often.
Do not fertilize sick, damaged or weak plants. First, it is necessary to carry out therapeutic procedures: carefully clean and dry the rotten roots, water and apply weak fertilizing at this time only to the leaves in small doses.
Active flowering period– not the best time to apply fertilizers. If this is still necessary, the liquid should not get on the flowers and buds.
Before fertilizing The roots must be thoroughly moistened with clean water to avoid burns; it is better to do this by immersing them in clean warm water.
Any type of fertilizer must be diluted in full accordance with the instructions.. For this purpose, it is better to pre-purify the water: filter or settle. If there is no special fertilizer, other types of preparations should be diluted with double the amount of liquid compared to the recommended amount.
After fertilizing you need to make sure that the liquid does not remain in the pan, otherwise the roots may rot.
After transplantation, the orchid does not need to be fed for the first 3-4 months. while there are still useful substances in the soil.
Children after transplantation must take root and begin to grow, only then can they be fed by the root method. Before this, the sheet method should be used. To fertilize young plants, the recommended concentration should be reduced by 2 or even 3 times.
The amount of feeding depends on the time of year: in summer and winter (in winter you don’t have to feed at all) they are applied once a month, in spring and autumn - twice.

Orchids bloom in the tropics all year round. At home, with proper care, they delight the owner Twice a year. First of all, you should pay attention to the life cycle of the plant: periods of flowering, growth and dormancy.

Feed the plant only during active growth. The appearance of new leaves, roots, and flower buds begins, as a rule, in the second half of March and continues in April. A developing plant requires additional nutrition.

Orchid lovers, trying to grow a flower at home, make efforts, pay attention, and create favorable conditions for the longest flowering. But not all owners of exotics succeed without competent, timely feeding.

Features, principles of content

Unlike other indoor plants, the maintenance of an orchid should be as close as possible to natural conditions. The root system is located close to the surface; instead of soil, a filler of tree bark, expanded clay, mineral wool, and artificial materials with the addition of sphagnum is used. The following factors are important for development and growth:

moisture saturation mode;
maintaining air temperature;
thorough lighting of the plant and its roots (orchids are bred only in transparent glass or plastic pots);
feeding

Feeding rules

Healthy, strong, brightly flowering plants cannot be obtained without the use of nutrients and fertilizers, preferably of natural origin. Orchid owners believe that abundant flowering can be achieved by adhering to some feeding rules:

adding substances 2 weeks before the start of bud setting;
compliance with proportions, concentration, dosing of nutritional compositions, otherwise you can cause harm and burn the roots;
due to the specifics of the soil, use fertilizers only in liquid form;
a newly acquired flower cannot be fertilized or replanted;
It is not recommended to feed weak, painful, transplanted orchids;
lack of fertilizing compounds during the dormant period;
nutrients are applied only to moist soil;
The fertilizer composition used for the first time should be tested on one flower (in case of a negative reaction).

The need for replenishment can be understood by the appearance of the orchid. The signals are:

pale, yellowish leaf color;
slow or lack of growth;
lack of flowering;
falling leaves and unopened buds.

Nutritious Recipes for Orchid Blooms

Flower growers use available home remedies to improve the abundance of flowering. There are a number of popular recipes that have a beneficial effect on growth, development, and budding. The main thing to remember is that all folk fertilizers are used in a weakly concentrated form and have a shelf life of no more than a week.

Banana peel infusion

Like the banana itself, its peel contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins that are useful for the development of flower stalks. Preparing banana fertilizer is simple. Dried crushed peel of one banana is poured into 1 liter of warm water and left for 2-3 days. Then filter, dilute with settled warm water in a ratio of 1:2, and carefully water the plant.

Onion peel decoction

Onion fertilizers promote the formation and growth of flower ovaries. To prepare a slightly saturated decoction of the husks, you will need 1 medium-sized onion, 1 glass of water. Pour water over the husk and boil for 10 minutes. over low heat, leave for 1-2 hours, strain. Before use, dilute the concentrate with water at room temperature to a light shade and water the flowers.

Potato recipe

Potato decoction is a complete organic biostimulator for orchids. It is easy to prepare. Peelings from several medium-sized potatoes are poured with boiling water, left for half an hour, and filtered. The resulting composition is heated to 35 degrees and the plants are watered. After regular use, root growth is observed and a large number of buds are formed on the flower shoot.

Tea and coffee fertilizer

An excellent way to feed home orchids is black tea and drunk coffee. Brewed tea is diluted with water to a light shade, watered no more than once a month. Since, being a natural acidifier, tea can change the chemical composition of the soil. After drinking coffee, brew again, leave for 10-15 minutes, dilute with water 1:2, water the flowers.

Such infusions contain many minerals that affect the active growth of the flower, the restoration of leaf blades, and the duration of the flowering period. Traditional methods are easy to prepare and accessible. Regular use of these recipes will help orchids delight with bright floral abundance.

When cultivating orchids, they need to create living conditions that are close to natural. In nature, the plant receives nutrition from the air and tree bark. In an artificial environment, it experiences a serious lack of nutrients and requires regular balanced feeding for normal development.

Experts have developed a fertilizer for orchids, which is successfully used by gardeners at home and can significantly extend the flowering period of tropical beauties.

Differences between orchids and other indoor plants

The orchid is the most exquisite flower among indoor plants. The delightful beauty of blooming clusters can decorate any interior. Flower growers have developed hybrids that adapt well at home and in winter gardens. The most popular species is Phalaenopsis. It is quite unpretentious and with proper care can bloom continuously for six months.

In nature, orchids live in tropical forests on tree trunks and mountain slopes. They feed and receive moisture through aerial roots from the atmosphere and bark of the donor. In home floriculture, plants need regular watering and fertilizing, the conditions for which differ significantly from those used for other indoor flowers.

The main feature of orchids lies in their essence - they are epiphytes, their roots are covered with a layer of velamen, which retains moisture like a sponge and, in fact, replaces an earthen lump in a pot. This property must be taken into account when carrying out all agrotechnical activities.

Orchids can only be fed with aqueous solutions. In a substrate consisting mainly of tree bark, it is very problematic to evenly distribute nutrients in the form of granules, tablets or sticks, so there is a high risk of burning the tips of the root system and seriously damaging the plant.

Experts have developed a number of fertilizers intended for use during different periods of the growing season. Properly selected nutrients and adherence to the schedule for their application will ensure lush and bright flowering of tropical beauties for a long time.

How to fertilize flowers at home?

Successful cultivation of orchids at home necessarily includes periodic application of fertilizers. However, moderation should be observed in everything. A flowering plant recently purchased from a store does not need additional nutrients. There is a golden rule: “It is better to underfeed an orchid than to overfeed it.”

Feeding tropical beauties is carried out in two ways:

introduction of nutrients to the root;
foliar.

It is unacceptable to use root and leaf fertilizers at the same time; you can only alternate. Each type is quite effective if the rules and timing of agrotechnical measures are observed.

Root feeding

Root application of fertilizers replenishes the substrate with nutrients and is the most effective type of fertilizing. It can only be used on mature healthy plants.

First, the orchid must be thoroughly watered, completely wetting all the roots. Then the flower pot should be placed in a container, filled with the drug solution prepared according to the instructions and left for twenty minutes. It is better to use drinking water, boiled or settled, and its temperature should be a couple of degrees above room temperature. Afterwards, allow the liquid to drain so that it does not accumulate on the pan.

This method of feeding is quite simple and widespread, but in some cases it cannot be used:

rest period, does not require additional nutrients;
stage of active flowering, early wilting can be caused;
for sick, weakened plants;
after transplantation for one month;
with an injured root system.

Foliar nutrition

Foliar feeding consists of generously spraying the leaf surface of the plant on both sides and visible roots with a fertilizer solution, while it is important to prevent liquid from getting on the flowers and buds.

The drug is purchased ready-made in the required concentration or prepared according to the instructions. The introduction of nutrients by spraying should be done in the evening or in cloudy weather to prevent sunburn through drops of water on the leaves and roots. The air temperature should be within 17-27 °C, the presence of drafts in the room is unacceptable.

After fertilizing, the growth points and axils of the leaves are inspected; the accumulated moisture must be dried - this will protect it from rotting and dying.

The leaf method of adding nutrients is effectively used in the following cases:

period of active growth of the root system;
in case of root injury;
with a lack of nutrients (chlorosis);
during the period of growth of the leaf rosette.

Timing of fertilizing

Orchid naturally grows in warm tropical forests, where it is always summer. There it blooms almost continuously. At home, with proper care, it blooms twice a year. To achieve this, you need to:

determine the life cycle of a plant;
create a habitat as close to natural as possible;
provide all necessary nutrients.

The cultivation of indoor flowers directly depends on the periods of their development, which determine the list of agrotechnical measures.

The life cycle of a plant consists of the following phases:

bloom;
peace;
active growth.

Regular feeding of orchids with nutrients is carried out during the growth period. During the time of flowering and dormancy, it does not need additional nutrition.

Flowering and dormant periods

The indoor orchid blooms in December and delights with its beauty until March. Feeding the plant during the period of ejection of flower stalks, the appearance of buds and the opening of all flowers is strictly prohibited. An excess of nutrients leads to premature wilting and a reduction in flowering time.

Then comes a period of relative peace. The plant feels good at a slightly lower temperature, in a shaded place. In this phase, the number of waterings is reduced and fertilizers are not applied.

With good care, tropical beauties often produce flower stalks from their lateral buds. In such cases, flowering occurs during a period of active growth, and the plant needs regular feeding.

Active growth phase

The calm phase does not last long. Already in the second half of March, the orchid wakes up, new leaves have appeared, flower buds have formed, and young roots have begun to grow. The time has come for active feeding. The plant must be fertilized gradually; at first it is recommended to apply 1/2 of the norm specified in the instructions, followed by an increase. The interval between adding nutrients is three weeks. It is effective to use alternating fertilization methods - root and leaf.

Orchids continue to be fed in the same regime throughout April. This month the growth of leaves and root system increases. There comes a time favorable for transplantation, which stops feeding - two weeks before moving the flower to a new container and for the same period after it.

In summer, nutrients are actively added at full normal intervals of 2 weeks, with the exception of days with elevated temperatures above 27 °C. In autumn, crops require twice as much fertilizer to ensure lush flowering in December.

Types of fertilizers for feeding plants

The composition of the substrate for orchids dictates the requirements that the fertilizers used for feeding must meet:

the acidity level is not lower than 5 pH and not higher than 7 pH, an acidic environment creates an excess of certain substances, which is a negative factor, and an alkaline environment does not allow many microelements to be absorbed;
contain substances that prevent the deposition of salts;
consist of microelements, amino acids and vitamins that help effectively absorb nutrients and strengthen the immune system.

high nitrogen content;
difficulties with dosage.

Fertilizers labeled “For orchids” are widely available in stores. They have a liquid form, which is convenient for proper dosing and even distribution in the flower soil. When using universal preparations, it is necessary to reduce the rate up to four times in order to reduce the concentration and not burn the root system.

The prepared solution cannot be stored and must be used immediately for its intended purpose.

The main elements of fertilizer mixtures are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Depending on the period of the life cycle, these substances are required by the plant in different proportions. In the active growth phase, nitrogen compounds should predominate, ensuring an increase in plant mass. During the formation of flower buds and buds, the need for potassium and phosphorus increases, which are responsible for the brightness of color and splendor of flowering.

Effective formulations from stores

Mister-color universal - ensures the development of the root system and the growth of the leaf rosette;
Doctor FOLIE starter - especially recommended for young plants and for foliar feeding, it stimulates the growth of roots and leaves well.

When laying flower stalks and in the flowering phase, products with a high phosphorus content are widely used:

Mister-color Orchid;
Dr. FOLIE orchid.

In addition to targeted preparations, there are a large number of complex fertilizers that contain a full range of all substances necessary for the full development of the plant at different periods of the life cycle, for example:

Pocon – increases immunity and resistance to diseases;
Bona Forte - contains microelements in chelated form, allowing them to be maximally absorbed by the root system of orchids.

These products are especially effective in the summer, when the threat of pest attacks increases and the risk of various diseases increases.

Stimulant drugs occupy a special place in growing orchids. Unlike nutrients that ensure the development of a plant, they affect its vital processes: growth, flowering, adaptation to new conditions. Such a remedy is succinic acid. It is successfully used in the cultivation of orchids, but does not exclude regular fertilizing.

Folk remedies

Amateur gardeners often prefer to use natural compounds to feed indoor plants. The orchid is no exception; it can also be fed with improvised means:

Drinking tea or coffee, which contains a complex of valuable minerals, can be used for watering.

Banana peel. It is very good to wipe the leaf rosette with its back side, and use an infusion rich in nitrogen to fertilize after watering. Recipe: pour fresh or dried peel of 1 fruit with a liter of water, leave for two days, filter and dilute in equal proportions with water.
Potato broth. Just let it cool and strain. Use as potash fertilizer.
Infusion of onion peels and pieces of citrus peel (lemon, orange, grapefruit). Boil a handful of crushed ingredients in three liters of water and let it brew in a warm place for 12 hours, cool and add three parts of water. The solution is used for root and leaf feeding. It contains many trace elements and has an antiseptic effect.
Wood ash from pine or other conifers. Infuse 200 grams in one liter of water for 24 hours, strain and use for watering. The fertilizer is rich in minerals that are easily absorbed by the plant.

Folk remedies for feeding orchids are attractive due to their natural essence; they are simple, accessible and economical. However, they all have one serious drawback - the inability to determine the concentration of active substances, an excess of which will cause irreparable harm to the plant, including complete death.

Most plants from the Orchid family, which are suitable for growing at home, belong to epiphytes. This means that in nature they do not live in the soil, but on the trunks of woody plants. But this does not mean that the flower does not need feeding. For normal growth and abundant flowering, orchids need a constant supply of nutrients. Therefore, it is always appropriate to additionally feed the orchid at home. It is important that the composition of fertilizers corresponds to the phase of plant development, and the concentration of nutrients is appropriate. Orchids suffer from both too little and too much feeding.

Show all

Rules for feeding orchids

Orchids at home need feeding all year round, but the composition of fertilizers should differ depending on the phases of growth and flowering. For orchids, the same fertilizer composition is used as for other indoor plants. The difference is in the concentration and ratio of nutrients. Lack of fertilizing is less dangerous than excessive use of fertilizers. Too much fertilizer can cause an orchid to burn its roots or drop its flowers.

Orchids are fed only with liquid fertilizers - through watering or spraying. Powder mixtures are thoroughly stirred in water and filtered - there should be no crystals or solid particles left in the solution. Granules and sticks that are stuck into the substrate and gradually dissolve are also not suitable, even if they are designed specifically for orchids. Dry fertilizers are distributed unevenly, and their high concentration in one place causes burns to the roots of the orchid.

The best way to feed is in combination with watering. The plant is immersed in a container with water and left in it for 15-20 minutes until the roots are saturated with moisture. After this, you can start feeding. The plant is either spilled several times with the nutrient composition, or immersed in a container with it, the same as when watering. Then it is taken out and put in its usual place. Feeding is carried out once a week during growth, and in winter - once every two weeks or even less often.

During transplantation and immediately after it, orchids are not fed and even watered less. The wounds on the roots should heal, and the entire plant should be given time to adapt, which takes about two weeks. Sick flowers do not need feeding, but treatment. It is important to distinguish between signs of nutritional deficiency and disease - yellowed leaves can indicate both a lack of minerals and unfavorable living conditions.

Essential Nutrients and Microelements

Orchids need the same nutrients for nutrition as other house plants. The question is their quantity and proportion. For feeding, it is necessary to alternate complex fertilizers depending on the time of year and phase of development. A deficiency or excess of various elements affects the appearance of the plant.

Chemical element	Effect on the plant	Signs of deficiency	Signs of excess
Nitrogen	Growth and development of leaves, especially in young plants	Slow growth, weak and small leaves	Intensive leaf growth and lack of flowering
Phosphorus	Formation of tubers and peduncles	Growth is stunted, leaves turn yellow and wither, spots appear on them	Yellowing of leaves, rapid aging of the plant, sensitivity to lack of water
Potassium	Formation of peduncles and flowering, increasing immunity	Lack of flowering, leaves turn yellow starting from the edges and fall off, fungal diseases may appear	Stunted growth, darkening of leaves, new leaves grow small
Magnesium	Participation in the process of photosynthesis	Pale leaves, especially between the veins, the orchid does not bloom and grows slowly	Darkening, curling and dying of leaves
Iron	Responsible for photosynthesis and metabolic processes	Uniform yellowing of leaves between veins	Darkening and cessation of leaf growth
Calcium	Participation in metabolism, formation of strong stems, roots and cell walls	Weak growth of roots and stems, the top dies off, young leaves grow poorly and curl	Pale spots on leaves, tissue death, poor absorption of other substances
Copper	General plant strength, immunity against fungal and infectious diseases	Lethargic appearance of the plant, the appearance of white spots on the leaves, fungal and bacterial diseases	Slow growth, brown spots appear on young leaves, old ones die off

In metabolic processes, chemical substances act interconnectedly: if there is a deficiency or excess of one of them, the absorption of others is difficult, so plants need complex feeding with mineral fertilizers. With general excess fertilizing, the orchid roots can get burned. Since the roots are visible, traces can be seen at the site of damage: it darkens, dries and dies. All elements are used for feeding all year round, but their ratio is important at different periods of the life of orchids. The most necessary substances that are responsible for the growth and flowering of plants are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Nitrogen is needed during the growth period for young plants and in early spring for adults. But as flowering approaches, its amount in the fertilizing is reduced - nitrogen delays and shortens the flowering time. From mid-summer, orchids grow tubers and begin to form flower stalks. During this period, the most necessary elements are phosphorus and potassium. Just before flowering, until the buds are half open, the predominant potassium content is important. After this, the orchid is not fed during the entire flowering period. And with the onset of autumn, complex fertilizing is applied, but less intensively than in spring.

Feeding does not have a significant effect on the birth of orchid babies. If there are enough nutrients for flowering, they can grow on a peduncle or stem, provided the necessary external conditions are met. In order for an orchid to produce babies, the peduncle is trimmed, maximum light, temperature and air humidity are created in the room, and watering is reduced.

Organic fertilizers are not as important for an orchid as mineral ones; it can do just fine without them. But with the right approach, adding organic matter will not harm. The biggest risk is too much nitrogen, especially if the orchid gets it from mineral complexes, which will make flowering difficult.

Industrial fertilizers

Special fertilizers are sold for orchids; they differ from fertilizers for other indoor plants not in composition, but in concentration - it should be several times less. Manufacturers must indicate the composition and ratio of chemical elements on the packaging. From them you can determine whether the mixture is suitable for an orchid, and in what period it is best to use it. For regular feeding throughout the year, one composition is used, and for the appearance of flowers, another.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (N) and potassium (K) are essential substances in the fertilizer. Their ratio is measured by the abbreviation NPK and expressed in numbers. Sometimes the manufacturer indicates it, but more often he writes the content of chemical elements as a percentage. NPK is calculated by adding up all the shares and comparing them with each other. For example, a ratio of 4-3-3 indicates a low (appropriate) concentration and a predominance of nitrogen. This feeding is suitable for orchids during the growth period. And as flowering approaches, they choose phosphorus-potassium fertilizer.

The fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen compounds, 6% phosphorus and 7% potassium (NPK: 5+6+7), it is suitable for feeding orchids to stimulate flowering.

It is good if the fertilizer contains substances in chelated form. This reduces the risk of salt deposits, which is especially important with hard water. Salts clog blood vessels, prevent roots from breathing and feeding, as a result they die and rot.

Fertilizers for abundant flowering

For an orchid to bloom, the content of phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer must exceed the amount of nitrogen. . Otherwise, the plant will spend all its energy growing leaves, and there will not be enough to form buds. The NPK ratio in fertilizer for orchid flowering should be approximately 5+6+7. Then it is applied strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If all these numbers are significantly higher, the composition can be used, but it is diluted with a large amount of water.

The following brands of fertilizers received the largest number of positive reviews:

1. BonaForte (Russia) - produced in the “Beauty” and “Health” series, which are recommended to be alternated when feeding.
2. Schultz Orchid Food - German expensive drug.
3. REASIL for orchids (Russia).
4. Pokon for orchid flowering - Dutch-made fertilizers with optimal NPK ratio. However, there are reviews that the composition does not correspond to the declared one and that counterfeits have been identified.
5. Etisso is a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants; for orchids it needs to be diluted to reduce the concentration.
6. "Uniflor-bud" - an inexpensive fertilizer made in Russia. Contains elements in chelated form; for orchids, dilute to the required concentration.

For orchid flowering, it is permissible to use other fertilizers intended for flowering indoor plants, but it is important not to exceed their concentration. Some are only diluted by half, while others will require adding 10 times more water than indicated in the instructions - this will depend on the concentration of the substances.

For example, the composition of the dry fertilizer "Agricola for flowering plants" is indicated: nitrogen - 15%, phosphorus - 21%, potassium - 25%. The manufacturer recommends diluting it with water in the proportion of 1 teaspoon per 2 liters of water. The composition is similar, but the concentration is too high. In this case, take not 2, but 6 liters of water per teaspoon of powder - you can water the orchid with this fertilizer without the risk of burning the roots.

Nutrition for orchids at any time of the year

Suitable for feeding throughout the year:

1. "Fertika-Lux" (formerly called "Kemira-Lux") - produces products for feeding orchids all year round and before flowering.
2. BonaForte - a series of fertilizers for orchids in the required concentration. The company produces products for comprehensive care: nutrition, protection from diseases, growth and flowering.
3. Greenworld - professional fertilizers for orchids from Germany.
4. Pokon - produces product lines for various purposes.
5. BioEkor for orchids (Poland).
6. BioMaster (Russia).
7. Other mineral complexes in concentrations acceptable for orchids.

It is best to feed plants at shorter intervals with diluted fertilizers. If there are not enough nutrients, the flower signals this by yellowing leaves and a weak appearance. Only in this case the intensity of fertilizing should be increased. If the plant is strong and the leaves are bright green, there is no need for additional nutrition.

Do not confuse supplements and stimulants. The former contain nutrients that the plant needs for normal development. The latter regulate life processes. Preparations such as Epin, Zircon, Kornevin, and succinic acid are not fertilizers, but stimulants of growth, adaptation and flowering. They can be used for orchids, but this does not eliminate the need for fertilizing.
Flowers and buds are never sprayed or wiped. It is important to ensure that even water does not get on them, otherwise the flowers may become deformed and fall off.
Folk remedies
Industrially produced fertilizers contain the entire complex of substances necessary for orchid nutrition. But some gardeners are suspicious of purchased “chemicals”, preferring to feed their flowers with more natural compounds. After all, the necessary nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements are present in living nature; you just need to correctly bring them to the flower.
You can feed your orchid at home with the following improvised means:
1. Watering with tea or coffee. Favorite homemade drinks contain a whole range of mineral elements in low concentration, but it is difficult to determine whether it will be sufficient. An undoubted advantage of such feeding is the acidification of the substrate, which is useful even in the absence of the necessary nutrition.
2. Banana peel. In fresh or dried form, it is infused in water for two days, for which you take the peel of 1 banana per liter of water. The resulting infusion is filtered, diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and fed to the orchid after watering. Rub the leaves with the back of a banana peel until they shine slightly.
3. Drain water after boiling potatoes. The decoction is rich in potassium, which will have a beneficial effect on orchid flowering. It is filtered, cooled to room temperature and used as a regular top dressing.
4. A weak decoction of onion peels, to which you can add a few pieces of orange, lemon or grapefruit peel. It also contains a large amount of potassium and other trace elements; in addition, onions and citrus fruits contain substances that prevent the occurrence of disease and rot. A handful of husks must be crushed, brought to a boil in 3 liters of water, removed from the stove and wrapped in a cloth. The broth is kept warm for 8-10 hours, after which it is cooled to room temperature and diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3. The infusion can be used for watering or spraying leaves.
5. Horse manure, bird droppings, blood from washed meat. They contain both minerals and organic compounds beneficial to plants. But such feeding is dangerous because bacteria and microbes can remain in animal waste products, and they all smell unpleasant.
6. Wood ash from coniferous trees. It is rich in mineral elements in an easily digestible form, but their high concentration can harm the orchid roots. Therefore, the feeding solution is prepared as weak as possible. 0.2 kg of ash is infused in a liter of water for a day, then filtered and watered at the root of the orchid.

The disadvantage of using traditional methods is that it is impossible to accurately calculate the composition and proportion of nutrients.
How much and when to apply fertilizer can only be determined experimentally by the appearance of the plant. And such methods are not always environmentally friendly. There have been no scientific studies on the effect of homemade fertilizers on orchids, so there is no need to talk about the result.

Experienced gardeners boldly use folk remedies to feed orchids and achieve abundant flowering without purchasing expensive drugs. Such fertilizers cost minimal, and sometimes even zero, cost, and the result lives up to expectations.

The orchid is considered to be the queen of every flowerbed. A gentle and fragile creature gathers large crowds of fans at her feet, and this is not surprising. With proper care, the flower will thank its owner with a healthy appearance and lush flowering in a wide variety of shades.

When growing indoors, various methods of feeding the plant are practiced. With their help, the culture fully reveals its potential, supporting it during the flowering period.

In contact with

Classmates

Among the popular means:
mineral fats;
humic preparations with a rich content of macro- and microelements;
fertilizing with extract of biologically active substances;

and much more;

The role of the soil substrate for orchids is a supporting function, since the level of nutrient content is minimal. Naturally, there are a small amount of individual components, but over time they are washed out with water. To compensate for the deficiency, complex fertilizers consisting of minerals, vitamins and enzymes should be used.

Feeding orchids at home The key component of living organisms is nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

. The absence of these elements can cause the death of a beautiful queen. Let's look at each member of this “trinity” in more detail. In addition to the above elements,

The orchid needs to be fed with the following substances:
zinc;
silicon;
chlorine;
manganese;

and many other minerals.

In this case, it will grow and bloom much more efficiently.

What does a plant eat in natural conditions? To decide how to properly fertilize an orchid, pay attention to key subtleties

its life activity in real conditions:

How to properly fertilize an orchid Having learned the key features of flower nutrition in its natural environment,. You must understand that feeding orchids during flowering is a very painstaking process. To avoid irreparable difficulties, it must be treated with special care:

Procedure algorithm

To successfully feed a growing indoor beauty, follow the instructions:

Provide the plant with plenty of fertilizer 1-2 days before feeding. With increased substrate humidity, the absorption of minerals will occur much faster, and the root system will receive reliable protection from the aggressive effects of pesticides;
Start preparing the mixture. At this stage, it is important to follow special instructions, diluting the powder with water at room temperature. If you use mineral fertilizers or non-targeted fertilizers, the fertilizing concentration should be reduced by at least half;
After this, the pot with the flower must be immersed in a container with the solution so that the main part of the rhizome has access to it. Leave the container in this position for 15-20 minutes;
Then you should wait until the excess liquid flows out through the drainage holes.

When spraying, protect the plant from direct sunlight and drafts. Also make sure that large drops do not accumulate between the leaf axils.

The best fertilizer for orchids

Before choosing a good food for your indoor queen, take a responsible approach to choosing suitable solutions.

The best option- use of complex fertilizers on a soluble basis. They include all the components that are necessary for the flower before and after flowering. Microelements are supplied in chelated form, that is, they are already suitable for effective absorption, so they will not settle as dead weight in the form of salts. Vitamins of groups B, PP, amino acids and growth regulators will be useful supplements.

Gardeners also speak positively about liquid fertilizers and fertilizer mixtures from Bona Forte, Fertika Kristalon, Mister Tsvet, Etisso and others.

Organic complexes rich in macro- and microelements also have a positive effect on crop development. They are created from extracts based on vermicompost extract. Natural humic substances act as excellent growth stimulants that enhance budding, splendor and brightness of inflorescences.

Natural preparations are very popular Agricola, Stimovit, Reasil.

As for foliar feeding, they are most often carried out to resuscitate damaged parts. As an ambulance for such plants, leaf fertilizers are used, which contain all the necessary phytohormones, amino acids and other useful elements. Due to such substances and fine spraying, the crop is enriched with all nutrients and becomes resistant to all kinds of diseases. The drug of the Doctor Foley direction is very popular. With its help, you can fertilize not only weakened specimens, but also support the plant during the flowering stage.

How to properly feed a plant?

As mentioned above, orchid belongs to epophytic plants. Because of this feature, caring for the queen is significantly different from caring for other green spaces. Currently, several types of flower feeding are used:

Fertilizing using the immersion method (together with watering). This option is great for healthy flowers that have a well-developed branched root system. The first step is to create an aqueous solution of a special fertilizer, into which the orchid will be immersed at the next stage;
As for foliar fertilizers (another name is foliar feeding), they are most often used for weakened plants with an absent root system, as well as with a noticeable lack of certain elements, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and others. Foliar technology involves the use of specialized compounds, which are available in containers with spray bottles, or conventional fertilizers for indoor crops.

Before the procedure, the flower is watered or soaked in a basin. It is important that the water remains soft and at room temperature. This way the roots will absorb the mineral composition as much as possible. It is important that the orchid stays no longer than 20 minutes in the prepared solution. After successful completion of the procedure, the plant should be placed in a permanent place, making sure that no composition remains at the bottom of the pot. Otherwise, this will cause rotting of the root system.

In winter the intensity of fertilizing is reduced to a minimum. In this case, it is better to use ready-made complexes, which are applied once every four weeks.

In order for the growth and development of an orchid to be as successful as possible, it is important to provide the plant with access to the following elements: phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium.

At the stage of laying peduncles and forming buds It is better to use organic mixtures rich in phosphorus and calcium.