As of: March 12, 2024, 11:52 a.m
By: Ines Alms
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Fertilizing orchids requires a bit of sensitivity.
You should pay attention to the respective growth and rest phases of the genera.
Caring for orchids is actually quite simple and yet a science in itself.
You can't go wrong with most types of houseplants like the popular Phalaenopsis - if you water them correctly, they often bring repeated blooms, even to orchid fans without a green thumb.
Without additional nutrients, the orchids usually do not die.
But to ensure that the plants survive the strenuous flowering process safely and vigorously, occasional fertilizer is recommended.
But there is often uncertainty: is it best to fertilize orchids before, during or after flowering?
Experts have recommendations for this.
When fertilizing orchids, the following applies: a little is enough, especially during flowering
The orchid Dendrobium nobile and its relatives must have rest periods, otherwise they will not bloom.
© agefotostock/Imago
How orchids are fertilized depends on the species: If the plants originally grow on trees and get their nutrients from rain and fog, they need less fertilizer.
For these so-called epihytic species such as Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium or Cattleya, half a very diluted portion of liquid orchid fertilizer every one to two months is enough, advises the
Orchideen-pflege.net
portal .
If you fertilize too much, the roots can burn from the high amounts of salt - these can be recognized as whitish crystals on the substrate and roots.
Species that live in soil, such as the lady's slipper, which grows wild in Germany, receive fertilizer just as often, but a normal amount of it.
However, they are rarely kept as houseplants.
You can find even more exciting garden topics in the regular newsletter from our partner 24garten.de.
In the period from March to September, most species in this country are in the growth phase.
And it only makes sense to supply nutrients during this period, explains the portal
Orchideen-wichmann.de
.
It is best to use a liquid, special orchid fertilizer that has a lower dosage than normal flower fertilizer.
So if the orchid begins to form a new shoot or leaf, you start fertilizing - if you are careful, you can promote flower formation with a phosphorus-based fertilizer.
Many well-cared for orchids begin to bloom in the fall.
As soon as the plant begins to bloom, you stop applying fertilizer.
While an orchid is blooming, it is also not fertilized.
In the winter rest phase after flowering, the weak feeders only need a few nutrients - the plant neither blooms nor grows.
If you still fertilize during the dormant phase, the plant may produce many leaves but no flowers.
According to
Orchideen-klusmann.de
, if orchids have light-colored leaves, this is an indication of a nutrient deficiency.
You can counteract this with regular fertilization every two to three weeks.
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The orchid exception to the rule: the Phalaenopsis
Some genera, such as Phalaenopsis, have no rest period, so you can fertilize all year round.
Even in the Cambria genus, the rest phase is not absolutely necessary.
However, if growth is progressing slowly, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer as in the resting phase of other orchid species - a bit of sensitivity is required.
After repotting, orchids do not need any additional nutrients for four to six weeks - this applies to all types.
Repotting is recommended every two to three years.