Plants need to be fertilized - almost everyone knows this, even beginner growers. The frequency and intensity of feeding is determined by the type of plant, as well as what goals the owner pursues.
Most orchids belong to decorative-flowering plants, that is, their main aesthetic value is in flowers. However, leaf mass and root system are also important for plant health.
As a rule, fertilizer for orchids contains 3 main components: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Their percentage ratio is extremely important, since different combinations will affect the plant in different ways. Potassium and nitrogen stimulate the growth of the green part: leaves and roots, which is very important for decorative and deciduous plants. Phosphorus stimulates flowering. Fertilizer for orchids can be organic or inorganic, it does not really matter. The view is also selected based on the preferences and convenience of the grower - sticks, pastes, liquid top dressing, powders - the form does not play a special role.
Choosing a 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 fertilizer for orchids with such a composition could not be found, you can buy an option just for flowering plants, but its concentration should be lower than according to the instructions, since most orchids have a very delicate root system.
Dressing for orchids should not be carried out too often, it is important not to overdo it in this matter. Many orchids have a dormant period, such as dendrobiums. At this time, watering practically stops, and it is also contraindicated to fertilize the plant. Phalaenopsis - the most common plants from the orchid family - do not have a rest period, so they can be fertilized all year round, but in autumn and winter it is recommended to do this less often - once every 2-3 weeks. The main thing is to exercise moderation. If in doubt, it is better to consult with more experienced gardeners.
Many orchid owners wait for a long time from their wards flowers and smear their buds with
cytokinin paste. You should not get carried away with this, it is better to think
than to fertilize an orchid so that it blooms. If even after some time after the start of feeding, the plant does not want to bloom, be patient. It happens: the orchid falls asleep: neither new leaves, nor flower stalks. It is important not to overdo it in an effort to make it bloom, because for this plant needs a lot of strength. It is necessary to adjust irrigation if it occurs irregularly, and also continue to apply fertilizer for orchids in a suitable mode. After a while, the plant will come to life.
There are also decorative foliage, the so-called precious orchids - maquisdes, ludisia and
some other species that appreciate beautiful leaf mass. They should be handled the other way around - they will benefit from potash and
nitrogen fertilizers for orchids, but flowering is undesirable, because after this new leaves can grow smaller.
Growing plants is a rather complicated, but also extremely interesting process. It is important to find suitable species for yourself that will be pleasant to deal with. And orchids in this sense are one of the most popular and easy-to-care options.