How to Fertilize Orchid Flowers

Orchids produce exotic-looking blooms.

Orchids are popular plants that have a reputation for being difficult to grow. Orchids will grow well indoors as well as outdoors in some locations. The plant will thrive with the proper care and conditions. Feeding an orchid properly with the right fertilizer formula is important, since the plant needs the right combination of nutrients to grow properly.

Instructions

1. Choose the correct fertilizer formula for the way your particular orchid is growing. Orchids grown in bark need more nitrogen than plants grown in soil, which need an evenly balanced formula. Use a 30-10-10 fertilizer on bark grown orchids and a 20-20-20 formula on soil grown plants.

2. Prepare the fertilizer by following the directions on the package.

3. Add enough water to equal the amount of fertilizer so it is diluted to half strength.

4. Water the orchid with the diluted fertilizer once per week, using enough to dampen the soil 2 to 3 inches down.

5. Stop fertilizing when the growing season ends. If the plant is not thriving during the fall and winter months, using an orchid formula fertilizer once per month until spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Use plain water once a month to water the plant during the growing season. This will help to rinse away excess fertilizer and salts.

• Watch for black or dried out leaf tips. This is a sign of to much fertilizer. Skip fertilizing for a week or two and provide plenty of plain water.

References

• Master Gardeners: The Back Fence
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Orchids