How to Fertilize Orchids

In nature, orchids obtain nutrients from organic debris that collects around their roots. Orchids will grow best if you follow this process by fertilizing them often. There are many types of fertilizers available that are convenient to use and will keep your orchids healthy and beautiful. The following article discusses how to fertilize orchids.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer made specifically for orchids
• Measuring spoon

1. Fertilize your orchid once per week when you water it. Use the fertilizer at half- strength.

2. Only fertilize orchids that are actively growing.

3. Be sure to always measure the amount of fertilizer that you are using. Do not guess as this usually leads to over fertilization.

4. Water an orchid right before you fertilize it. This prevents the orchid from getting damaged by the fertilizer.

5. Use fertilizers that are made specifically for orchids.

Tips & Warnings

• If an orchid has dried leaf tips, this is usually a sign of too much fertilizer. Cut off the dried tips with sharp scissors. The, pour fresh water over the growing medium several times. This will help to rinse away the extra fertilizer.
• Proper fertilization will help orchids to have larger, longer lasting flowers.
• Using a fertilizer at half-strength means using half of what is recommended on the product packaging.
• Be sure to not over fertilize your orchid. Most related problems result from over fertilizing, not from too little.
• Do not fertilize damaged orchids. Use water only until the orchid is healthy.
• Too much fertilizer can actually stunt your orchid.

Resources

• Purchase orchid fertilizer
• Orchid care tips