What kind of fertilizer is needed for orchids

Plants need to be fertilized - almost everyone knows this, even beginning florists. The frequency and intensity of feeding is determined by the type of the plant, as well as by the objectives pursued by the owner.

Most orchids belong to ornamental flowering plants, that is, their main aesthetic value is in flowers. Nevertheless, the leaf mass and the root system are also important for the health of the plant.

As a rule, fertilizer for orchids contains 3 main components: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Their percentage ratio is extremely important, since different combinations will differently affect the plant. Potassium and nitrogen stimulate the growth of the green part: leaves and roots, which is very important for ornamental-deciduous plants. Phosphorus stimulates flowering. Fertilizer for orchids can be organic or inorganic, it does not really matter. The species is also chosen based on the preferences and convenience of the florist - sticks, pastes, liquid top dressings, powders - the form does not play a special role.

The choice of fertilizer should be based on the fact that it should contain more phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium, if the goal is to make the plant bloom. If the fertilizer for the orchids with such a composition could not be found, you can purchase a variant just for beautiful flowering plants, but its concentration should be lower than the instructions, since most orchids have a very delicate root system.

Feeding for orchids should not be done too often, it is important not to overdo it. Many orchids have a period of rest, for example, dendrobiums. At this time, watering is almost stopped, and it is contraindicated to fertilize the plant. Phalaenopsis - the most common plants in the houses of the family of orchids - do not have a rest period, so they can be fertilized all year round, but in autumn and winter it is recommended to do less often - every 2-3 weeks. The main thing is to exercise moderation. In any doubt, it is better to consult more experienced flower growers.

Many owners of orchids long wait from their wards for flowers and smear their kidneys with cytokinin paste. It is not necessary to get involved in this, it is better to think about how to fertilize an orchid so that it blossoms. If, even after some time after the beginning of the fertilizing, the plant does not want to bloom, you should be patient. It happens: the orchid seems to fall asleep: no new leaves, no flower stalks. It is important not to overdo it in an effort to make it blossom, because for this plant requires a lot of energy. It is necessary to regulate irrigation, if it occurs irregularly, and also continue to apply fertilizer for orchids in a suitable regime. After a while, the plant will come to life.

There are also decorative-deciduous, so-called precious orchids - makodes, ludisias and Some other species, which are valued for a beautiful leaf mass. They should do the opposite - they are more useful potassium and nitrogen fertilizers for orchids, but flowering is undesirable, because after this new leaves can grow smaller.

Cultivation of plants is a rather complex, but extremely interesting process. It is important to find suitable species for yourself, which will be pleasant to deal with. And orchids in this sense - one of the most popular and easy-care options.