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Caring For Orchids Part Four Fertilizing -- "FEED ME!"

© Linda Fortner

Hello and welcome to the Orchid Garden, Please come in, but watch out for the orchids because they are HUNGRY! It seems some people don't feed them or they just don't realize that they need to be fed. Orchids need to be fed more than other plants. Unlike house plants, which get their nutrients from the soil, orchids are planted in or mounted on media which does not provide any nourishment.

The main point that you need to remember is many orchids grow above the ground (usually attached to things like trees) and they get their nutrition by absorbing inorganic minerals through their leaves and roots. Because of their natural habitat, most orchids are not heavy feeders but they do need more nutrients when we grow them outside of their natural habitat. The correct type of fertilizer/nutrition is very important,fertilizers designed for lawns and gardens can be to strong for your orchids.

All fertilizers consist of three main ingredients (N-P-K):

• nitrogen--(N)--which promotes general plant growth
• phosphorus--(P)--which promotes flowering
• potassium--(K)--which promotes strong roots

The type of fertilizer needed by your orchid primarily depends on how the orchid is planted. Orchids planted in bark should be given a high nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-10) because bark tends to rob the plant of nitrogen. Orchids grown in other media such as lava rock, sphagnum moss, pearlite, or that are mounted should be given a more balanced formula (20-20-20) that is not as high in nitrogen. To help promote flowering, you can use a special type of (10-30-20) formula fertilizer called a "blossom booster." Use this type just prior to bud formation.

Fertilizers are distributed in many forms: granules, liquid, spikes, etc. I recommend a water soluble or liquid type orchid fertilizer available in most garden centers or from orchid growers and supplier. follow the provided directions. Don't be too concerned if the numbers on the product you are using is different than what I have listed above. For example some may be listed as "10-5-5" or "7-9-5." Look at the other ingredients listed in the fertilizer. You should NEVER use fertilizer containing urea! Urea requires soil microbes to help break it down for the plant. Orchid media does not contain these microbes.

Common Questions

Q: How much fertilizer should I use?

A: The recommended dosage varies according to the manufacturer but is usually only 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water. Follow the manufacturer's directions and remember, "weakly" is better!

Q: How often do I fertilize?

A: Some orchidists recommend fertilizing every week and others

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