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When Should You Fertilize Orchids? (Two Ideal Seasons)

It is no surprise that one of the best methods to maintain flowering plants healthy all year is to use a suitable fertilizer. So, when should you fertilize orchids?

Fertilize orchids once every week or at least once per month. Also, you should use a dilute solution of orchid fertilizer to fertilize orchids. Let’s dive right into the details!

How Often Should I Fertilize My Orchids?

The best time to fertilize your orchids is every two weeks during the seasons of maximum development (spring and summer) and once a month during autumn and winter. Regular fertilization is crucial for orchid plants. Your tropical plants will not get a continuous source of rich minerals if you only fertilize every several months, and they may become malnourished.

However, orchids will thrive if you establish a consistent feeding schedule. Based on the liquid fertilizer you are using, the time between feedings will vary. Some orchid fertilizers recommend feeding once a week.

Pro tip: For feeding the orchid, make things brief. Choose an orchid fertilizer that is acceptable to use any time you water to develop an effortless feeding habit.

When Should You Not Fertilize Orchids?

There are times when fertilizing your orchid plants is not a good idea. The first explanation is if it is infected with a disease, has substantial orchid root damage, or is pest-infested.

In addition, many orchids decelerate or even become dormant throughout the winter. Since fertilizing dormant orchid plants makes little sense, you can restart the fertilization procedure in the spring when the plant begins its next growth stage.

How Do You Fertilize Indoor Orchids?

Select A Fertilizer

Select an orchid fertilizer that is suitable for your plant and the growing conditions. With numerous fertilizers available, selecting the right one can be challenging.

There are several affordable, good fertilizers if you are a casual grower or a beginner. Still, if you want your orchids to develop in the best condition or if you’ve had an extensive collection, it’s well worth obtaining the more specialized formulation.

Dilute The Fertilizer

Follow the directions carefully to create the fertilizer solution. To make sure you are using the right amount of fertilizer, use a specific spoon to measure. Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.

These plants are susceptible to overfeeding. It is better to fertilize more frequently with a milder solution than to feed less often. Use a can with an appropriate or small spout container for watering your composition. It will be more straightforward to pour accurately.

Watering

Watering first aids in nutrient absorption by the planting media and facilitates nutrient uptake by the roots. To begin with, if you use an overly strong fertilizer mixture, you run the risk of harming the roots.

It is unlikely to occur if you use a solution containing less than half of the suggested strength. Furthermore, watering first promotes nutrient absorption by the planting media and boosts nutrient uptake by the roots.

Bring The Orchids To The Sink

Fertilizing indoor orchids in the sink is preferred due to easier cleanup and improved drainage. Before slowly pouring the fertilizer mixture over the planting media, hold the plant over a sink or set it inside the sink.

After repotting, remember to fertilize your orchid with a weak fertilizer solution instead of a rooting solution the following week. Pour the fertilizer mixture over the potting media, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Let The Orchids Drain

Ensure that all extra fertilizer drains from the pot’s base. Before putting your plant in its ornamental pot, remember to let it soak in the sink for roughly 3 minutes.

Should I Fertilize My Orchids After Repotting?

The answer is yes. Allow the excess fertilizer to drain from the pot before placing the plant in its ornamental pot.

Remember to fertilize your orchid the following week after repotting, using a weak fertilizer solution instead of a rooting solution.

For the very first month, feed your plant each week. After repotting it, spray its leaves gently for two weeks. Always sprinkle plants early in the day to ensure that the leaves have enough time to dry entirely before dark.

Add approximately three drops of rooting treatment or high-quality phosphorus fertilizer to the spraying water to enhance the plant’s nutrition. Water and mist your orchid regularly during the first week after repotting. Once your plant appears healthy, you can start fertilizing it monthly. To reduce stress after repotting, move previously repotted orchids to a location with reduced light exposure for approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

Conclusion

We’ve helped you answer the question “When should you fertilize orchids?”. Hopefully, this article is beneficial to you. If you want more information, please visit us at Swipe Garden. Thank you for reading!

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Kelly Lawrence

Kelly Lawrence

Kelly Lawrence is the CEO of Swipe Garden. Over 10 years in the writing and passion for gardening, she brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the world of gardening. Kelly Lawrence has cultivated a community of plant lovers, making gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.