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Is it possible to fertilize a blooming orchid. How to feed an orchid during flowering? Professional advice. Complex mineral supplements

Orchids are one of the most exquisite plants. They grow in tropical forests, holding on to the bark of trees, and on the slopes of mountains. Their diversity is very great. It is not surprising that people decided to decorate their homes with orchids. In modern floriculture, there are many species that are perfectly suited to the conditions of our apartments, houses and winter gardens. Moreover, some orchids are less picky than violets and geraniums, which have been popular for many years. At the same time, they bloom for a very long time, luxuriantly and brightly and, with proper care, delight the owners with their beauty. long years. It is natural that last years these plants have become favorites of flower growers - amateurs and professionals. Despite the fact that orchids are relatively unpretentious, to know the features of their cultivation in order to achieve good result necessary. And one of the most important conditions their excellent health - competent fertilizer for orchids.

Before fertilizing an orchid, you need to know a few rules

How to fertilize an orchid

Root fertilizer for orchids

This type of feed is used for healthy plants as the main method of replenishment nutrients and growth promoters.

Before feeding, be sure to water until the roots are completely wet. Then into a container with clean water(distilled, drinking, chilled boiled or settled) add fertilizer in the concentration according to the instructions on the label. The water temperature should be several degrees warmer than room temperature. Place a flowerpot with a flower for 15-20 minutes. At the same time, it is necessary to hold the bark in order to avoid its falling out, and to make the immersion slowly, pouring the solution also through the top. After feeding, the excess solution must necessarily flow out of the pot and not remain in the pan. It is advisable not to leave the pot with a flower in a cold room after fertilization.

For root dressing during the period of growing leaves and roots, as well as for young plants, we recommend using the universal fertilizer "Mr. Color - Universal" at a concentration of 1 cap per 3 liters of water, and for laying peduncles and during the flowering period - a special fertilizer for orchids - "Mr. color - orchid "at a concentration of 1 cap per 1 liter of water.

Foliar nutrition for orchids

• Used as an alternative to the main fertilizer (instead of it);
• if you need to urgently deliver nutrients, and the root system is damaged;
• with chlorosis - a lack of trace elements (they are more accessible through the leaves, and the result of the application is often visible within a few hours after application);
• during the period of active growth of the roots, since at this time they can be burned with root fertilizer.

Foliar dressing for orchids is done in cloudy weather or in the morning - in the evening to avoid direct sun rays on drops of solution on the leaves and subsequent burns. The temperature in the room where the plant is processed should not be lower than 17 ° C and not higher than 27 ° C, in no case should there be drafts. Spraying is done carefully - spraying fertilizer on the top and bottom of the leaves and visible roots. It is not allowed to get the solution on the buds and flowers. After top dressing, be sure to inspect the sinuses between the leaves and the growth point - they must be dry, otherwise rotting and death of growth points is possible.

For foliar feeding during the period of growing leaves and roots, as well as for young plants, we recommend using the universal fertilizer "Doctor FOLI starter", and for laying peduncles and during the flowering period - a special fertilizer for orchids - "Doctor FOLI - Orchid".

What should be fertilizer for orchids

• With the right level of acidity. At acidity above 7 pH or below 5 pH, the substrate does not give the roots all the incoming nutrients. In an overly acidic environment, the plant may receive a concentration of certain substances above the toxic level. In excessively alkaline - most trace elements become inaccessible.
• Concentration of the main nutrients- macronutrients reduced compared to regular fertilizer indoor plants, but not low so that the plant does not suffer from a lack of nutrients.
• Special components that prevent the accumulation of salts in the bark.
• The content of microelements in the chelated form - they are much more accessible (up to 80%), the presence of chelates of the trace element of iron is mandatory.
• The presence of additional innovative components that will help achieve the best results when growing orchids, for example, vitamins, amino acids, succinic acid, which support the immune system of plants, contribute to the best absorption of essential nutrients.
• The liquid form is preferred as it is easier and more accurate to use (no need to measure and weigh like dry or pellets; sticks release nutrients very unevenly)
• If possible, the main feeding of orchids should be mineral - the use of organic matter is associated with the risk of inaccurate dosage of nutrients and excess nitrogen (if fed with organic fertilizer, then only with the one that indicates the exact concentration of macronutrients and alternate with mineral).

We hope you now know exactly how to fertilize an orchid, and your pet will enjoy long and lush flowering, remaining healthy for many years.

- a very popular flower, it is used for design decoration apartments and office space, it is also a wonderful gift. Many exotic lovers try to grow tropical plant at home, but not everyone succeeds without proper feeding.

Flowers use other plants only as a support and thanks to them they are closer to the light. Orchids can be attached even in rocky areas just on the rocks. Orchids are sold, usually in thin plastic pots filled with any light substrate, most often pine bark. It does not nourish the flower, but serves as a fixation and does not allow it to dry out.

At home, the flower can be kept in the bark, or expanded clay, sphagnum, gel, mineral wool or other artificial material can be used.

The most important thing when growing an orchid is to properly care for the plant and create conditions closer to natural. The main factors of flower growth and development: good lighting, correct mode irrigation, temperature and humidity. An important role in the cultivation of orchids is top dressing.

How can you fertilize an orchid?

If you want to increase the flowering period of an orchid, top dressing should be done one and a half to two weeks before budding begins. Need to use liquid fertilizers, since other feeding methods will not be able to fully fertilize the specific soil.

For indoor cultivation Orchids are suitable for such fertilizers:

• Bona Forte. For orchids, phalaenopsis is one of the best fertilizers, it extends the flowering period to six months. Before the flowering of the plant, top dressing is diluted by half, and after - strictly according to the instructions.
• Greenworld. Top dressing is done before watering. It is necessary to carry out by diluting the drug by half, and the drops that have fallen on the plant should be removed with a damp cloth.
• "Flora". Effective natural fertilizer consists of biohumus extract. A convenient spray bottle allows you to evenly feed outside root zone plants.
• "Emerald". Foliar top dressing with the drug eliminates yellowed foliage.
• "Doctor Foley is an orchid." The tool is perfect for daily spraying.

Use liquid fertilizers only when necessary and very carefully. It is better to underfeed the plant and dilute the fertilizer three times than, on the contrary, to overfeed.
You can not feed the flowers immediately after their purchase, freshly transplanted or diseased plants, as well as during their flowering period - this will only harm. The growth stimulator is applied only to healthy plants.
When the direct rays of the sun hit the flower, it is not sprayed, as well as at low temperatures and drafts. It is impossible for fertilizers to fall on the plant or buds.

Orchids need to be fertilized with fertilizers only for this type of flower and only in the active growth phase. One feeding for two weeks will be enough. These fertilizers are less concentrated macro- and microelements, since salinity of the soil destroys epiphytes.

If fertilizers for orchids are not available, you can purchase fertilizers for other houseplants, which must be flowering, but they will need to be diluted two or even three times.

In order to start feeding, you first need to soak the roots of the orchid. To do this, they need to be lowered into soft, always warm, settled water, only after that you can fertilize the flower. This is necessary so that the tender roots do not get burned.

In a fertilized solution, the orchid should not be more than 20 minutes. After the remnants of the fertilized liquid drain from it, it is put in its original place. With the advent of the autumn-winter period, top dressing stops, or decreases to one per month. But in the spring it will need to be fed regularly.

The composition of fertilizers:

• Fertilizers for feeding orchids contain calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
• It is important to know that for plant growth, top dressings are used that are responsible specifically for growth or other universal fertilizers for flowering plants, only less saturation.
• Phosphorus is necessary for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, for the growth and photosynthesis of a plant, especially for a small one. It contributes to the formation of lush flowering and the development of juicy and healthy foliage.
• Potassium is responsible for carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, improves photosynthesis, retains moisture in plant cells. But with a low content of potassium, nitrogen metabolism is completely disrupted.

Manure, compost and other types of organic fertilizers are only suitable for terrestrial orchid species such as Cypripedium or Cymbidium. However, at home it is very difficult to determine the absolutely correct ratio of minerals in organic fertilizers, so it is better to use store-bought mineral fertilizers.

Industrial fertilizers contain a complete set of all substances necessary for orchids. But some flower lovers fertilize their plants folk remedies, For example:

1. Tea and coffee. Natural substrate acidifiers contain a number of minerals in low concentrations.
2. Banana peel. In one liter of water, the peel of one banana is infused for a couple of days. After this, the infusion must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, and after watering, the flower is fertilized with it.
3. Water from boiled potatoes. Saturated with potassium. It is cooled, filtered and fertilized with the roots of the plant.
4. Slightly saturated decoction of onion peel. Also contains potassium. The decoction prevents the development of many diseases and decay. To prepare it, a glass of husk is brewed in 3 liter jar boiling water, wrapped and infused for 8 hours, then diluted 1: 3 and the watering agent is ready.
5. . In most cases, ash is used coniferous trees which is very rich in minerals. It is better to prepare a solution for irrigation as weak as possible (200 g of ash per 1 liter of water).

Experienced gardeners do well folk ways fertilizers, they are affordable and easy to prepare. However, for correct calculation dosage you need to have some experience and skills.

Some flower growers believe that the abundance of fertilizers is the key to success in growing home orchid. This opinion is wrong. The orchid grows in the bark and is sometimes loosely covered with moss. Incorrectly applied fertilizer can burn the roots or cause other damage to the plant. You need to fertilize the flower with only the right fertilizers, specially designed for this type of flower, accurately taking into account the dose and even reducing it, then the flower will be fresh and healthy.

In order to help the plant at the right time for it, you need to know when and with what it needs to be fertilized, and when it should not be done at all. A newly acquired plant cannot be transplanted and fertilized. The substrate in which the orchid is located serves only as a support, if the roots of the plant do not fit well in a pot, it should not be disturbed for 2-3 years. Recently transplanted, diseased and weak plants should not be fertilized either. There are other drugs for them: succinic acid, root, epin.

Orchids are not fertilized even during the dormant period.

Do not rush to fertilize the orchid without studying the issue of feeding it. The appearance of the flower itself will tell you when it will need it. Growing an orchid is not difficult if you only know how to do it correctly. Little chores will justify the lush flowering and bright colors of a beautiful orchid.

More information can be found in the video:

When cultivating orchids, they need to create living conditions that are close to natural. In nature, the plant receives nutrition from the air and tree bark. In an artificial environment, it is seriously deficient in nutrients and needs regular, balanced feeding for normal development.

Specialists have developed a fertilizer for orchids, which is successfully used by flower growers at home and can significantly extend the flowering period of tropical beauties.

Differences between orchids and other indoor plants

Orchid is the most exquisite flower among indoor plants. The delightful beauty of flowering clusters can decorate any interior. Flower growers have bred hybrids that adapt well at home and winter gardens. The most popular species is Phalaenopsis. It is quite unpretentious and, with proper care, can bloom continuously for six months.

In nature, orchids live in tropical forests on tree trunks and mountain slopes. They feed and receive moisture through aerial roots from the atmosphere and crust of the donor. In home floriculture, plants need regular watering and fertilizing, the conditions for which are significantly different from those used for other indoor flowers.

The main feature of orchids lies in their essence - they are epiphytes, their roots are covered with a layer of velamen, which retains moisture like a sponge and, in fact, replaces an earthen lump in a pot. This property must be taken into account when carrying out all agrotechnical measures.

Orchids can only be fed with water solutions. In a substrate consisting mainly of tree bark, it is very problematic to evenly distribute nutrients in the form of granules, tablets or sticks, so there is a high risk of burning the tips of the root system and seriously damaging the plant.

Specialists have developed a number of fertilizers intended for use in different periods vegetation. Properly selected nutrients and adherence to the schedule of their application will provide a lush and bright bloom tropical beauties for a long time.

How to fertilize flowers at home?

Successful cultivation of orchids at home necessarily includes periodic fertilization. However, everything should be in moderation. A flowering plant recently purchased from a store does not need additional nutrients. Exists Golden Rule: "It is better to underfeed an orchid than to overfeed it."

Top dressing of tropical beauties is carried out in two ways:

• the introduction of nutrients under the root;
• foliar.

It is unacceptable to use root and leaf fertilization at the same time, you can only alternate. Each species is quite effective subject to the rules and terms of the agrotechnical event.

Root top dressing

Root fertilization replenishes the substrate with nutrients and is the most effective view top dressing. It can only be used on adult healthy plants.

First, the orchid must be well watered, completely moistening all the roots. Then the flower pot should be placed in a container, pour the preparation solution prepared according to the instructions and leave for twenty minutes. It is better to use drinking, boiled or settled water, and its temperature should be a couple of degrees higher than room temperature. After that, the liquid is allowed to drain so that it does not accumulate on the pallet.

This method of feeding is quite simple and widespread, but in some cases it cannot be used:

• dormant period, does not need additional nutrients;
• stage of active flowering, early wilting can be caused;
• for sick, weakened plants;
• after transplantation within one month;
• with an injured root system.

foliar nutrition

Foliar top dressing consists in abundant spraying with a fertilizer solution of the leaf surface of the plant on both sides and visible roots, while it is important to prevent the liquid from getting on the flowers and buds.

The drug is purchased ready-made in the desired concentration or prepared according to the instructions. The application of nutrients by spraying must be carried out in evening time or cloudy weather to prevent sunburn through drops of water on the leaves and roots. The air temperature should be within 17-27 ° C, the presence of drafts in the room is unacceptable.

After top dressing, growth points and leaf axils are examined, the accumulated moisture must be dried - this will protect it from decay and death.

The leaf method of applying nutrients is effectively used in the following cases:

• period of active growth of the root system;
• when roots are injured;
• with a lack of nutrients (chlorosis);
• during the period of building up a leaf outlet.

Feeding times

The orchid in nature grows in warm tropical forests, where it is always summer. There it blooms almost continuously. At home, with proper care, it blooms twice a year. To achieve this, you need:

• determine the life cycle of a plant;
• create an environment as close to natural as possible;
• provide all the necessary nutrients.

The cultivation of indoor flowers directly depends on the periods of their development, which determine the list of agrotechnical measures.

The life cycle of a plant consists of the following phases:

• bloom;
• peace;
• active growth.

Regular feeding of orchids with nutrients is carried out during the growth period. At the time of flowering and dormancy, it does not need additional nutrition.

Flowering and dormant periods

Indoor orchid blooms in December and pleases with its beauty until March. Feeding the plant during the release of peduncles, the appearance of buds and the opening of all flowers is strictly prohibited. An excess of nutrients leads to premature wilting and a shortened flowering period.

Then comes a period of relative rest. The plant feels good at a slightly lower temperature, in a shady place. In this phase, the number of irrigations is reduced, fertilization is not performed.

At good care tropical beauties often produce flower stalks from lateral buds. In such cases, flowering occurs during a period of active growth, and the plant needs regular feeding.

Active growth phase

The quiet phase does not last long. Already in the second half of March, the orchid wakes up, it has new leaves, flower buds are laid, young roots begin to grow. It's time for active feeding. It is necessary to fertilize the plant gradually, at first it is recommended to apply 1/2 of the rate indicated in the instructions, with a subsequent increase. The interval between nutrient additions is three weeks. It is effective to use the alternation of fertilizer methods - root and leaf.

In the same mode, they continue to feed orchids throughout April. This month, the growth of leaves and the root system is enhanced. There comes a time favorable for transplantation, which stops top dressing - two weeks before moving the flower to a new container and for the same period after it.

In summer, nutrients are actively applied at the full rate with a frequency of 2 weeks, with the exception of days with increased temperature regime above 27 °C. IN autumn time crops require twice as much fertilizer to provide lush bloom December.

Types of fertilizers for plant nutrition

The composition of the substrate for orchids dictates the requirements that fertilizers used for feeding must meet:

• the level of acidity is not lower than 5 pH and not higher than 7 pH, an acidic environment creates an excess of individual substances, which is a negative factor, and an alkaline one does not allow absorption of many microelements;
• contain substances that prevent the deposition of salts;
• consist of trace elements, amino acids and vitamins that help to effectively absorb nutrients and strengthen the immune system.

• high nitrogen content;
• dosage difficulties.

Fertilizers marked "For orchids" are widely represented in stores. They are in liquid form, which is convenient for proper dosing and uniform distribution them in flower soil. When using universal preparations, it is necessary to reduce the rate up to four times in order to reduce the concentration and not burn the root system.

The prepared solution is not subject to storage and must be used immediately for its intended purpose.

The main elements of fertilizer mixtures are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Depending on the period life cycle, these substances are required by the plant in different proportions. In the phase of active growth, nitrogenous compounds should predominate, providing an increase in plant mass. During the laying of flower buds and buds, the need for potassium and phosphorus increases, which are responsible for the brightness of the color and the splendor of flowering.

Effective compositions from stores

• Mister-color universal - ensures the development of the root system and the growth of the leaf rosette;
• Dr. FOLI starter - especially recommended for young plants and for foliar feeding, well stimulates the growth of roots and leaves.

When laying peduncles and in the flowering phase, products with a high content of phosphorus are widely used:

• Mister Color Orchid;
• Dr. FOLI-orchid.

In addition to targeted drugs, there are a large number of complex fertilizers that have a complete set of all substances necessary for the full development of the plant in different periods lifecycle, for example:

• Pocon - increases immunity and resistance to diseases;
• Bona forte - contains trace elements in a chelated form, which allows them to be absorbed as much as possible by the root system of orchids.

These tools are especially effective in summer period when the threat of pest attacks increases and the risks of various diseases increase.

A special place in the cultivation of orchids is occupied by stimulant drugs. Unlike nutrients that ensure the development of a plant, they affect the processes of its vital activity: growth, flowering, and adaptation to new conditions. Such a tool is succinic acid. It is successfully used in the cultivation of orchids, but does not preclude regular feeding.

Folk remedies

Flower growers often prefer to use natural compounds to feed indoor plants. The orchid is no exception, it can also be fed with improvised means:

• Drunk tea or coffee, which has a complex of valuable minerals, can be used for irrigation.

• Banana peel. It is very good to wipe the leaf socket with its back side, and fertilize after watering with an infusion rich in nitrogen. Recipe: pour fresh or dried peel of 1 fruit with a liter of water, leave for two days, filter and dilute in equal proportions with water.
• Potato broth. It is enough to cool and strain. Use as potash fertilizer.
• Infusion of onion peel and pieces of citrus peel (lemon, orange, grapefruit). Boil a handful of crushed components in three liters of water and let it brew in a warm place for 12 hours, cool and add three parts of water. The solution is used for root and leaf top dressing. It contains many trace elements and has an antiseptic effect.
• Wood ash from pine or other conifers. 200 grams insist in one liter of water during the day, strain and use for irrigation. The fertilizer is rich in minerals that are easily absorbed by the plant.

Folk remedies for feeding orchids attract with their natural essence, they are simple, affordable and economical. However, all have one serious drawback - the inability to determine the concentration of active substances, an excess of which will cause irreparable harm to the plant, up to complete death.

Such flowering plant, like an orchid, is represented by a wide variety of varieties, but phalaenopsis is more adapted to growing at home. This plant is quite unpretentious and, if cared for properly, will bloom for about six months.

Proper Care for phalaenopsis orchids means that it is necessary not only to create optimal conditions for its maintenance and water it correctly, but also to carefully approach the issue of choosing and introducing fertilizer.

When to Feed a Phalaenopsis Orchid?

The optimal time to fertilize a Phalaenopsis orchid is 21-30 days after transplantation. To do this, they use special complex means, which include nutritional components and elements that stimulate the process of cell regeneration, activate their growth. Not bad is succinic acid in the form of a solution, which is a growth regulator.

It is recommended that the first feeding of phalaenopsis at home be carried out by foliar (leaf) method by spraying, since this way the plant will receive more nutrients.

What fertilizer to use?

When using fertilizer for phalaenopsis, one must take into account the season. In winter and summer, the flower should be fed no more than once a month, and in autumn and spring - twice a month, provided that the orchid is not at rest.

There are special fertilizers for phalaenopsis orchids containing optimal amount trace elements, which avoids the salinity of the substrates.

If it is not possible to purchase such a fertilizer for phalaenopsis, then you can use the usual ones, which are intended for indoor flowers. It just needs to be less concentrated.

To improve the process of photosynthesis, as well as carbohydrate and protein metabolism for the Phalaenopsis orchid, you should feed it with a fertilizer containing phosphorus-containing substances. When entering the stage of active vegetation, the plant spends a lot of nutrients, due to which leaves and roots develop. For this reason, it requires a large amount of nitrogen-containing substances.

When choosing a top dressing for phalaenopsis, you need to remember about such important trace elements as potassium and phosphorus, which significantly affect the process of bud and peduncle formation. If there are enough of them, the color tone of the plant will become more pronounced, and the peduncle will develop well.

Should I fertilize during flowering?

During the flowering period, it is preferable to use purchased liquid fertilizers that can significantly increase the lifespan of flower stalks and help new buds form.

Before the plant began to bloom, when the formation of peduncles is observed, additional feeding of the Phalaenopsis orchid is necessary, since the flower at this time needs more nutrient elements.

Phalaenopsis fertilizer for flowering should be carried out at least twice a week so that the orchid retains more vitality, this will favorably affect the buds. During the period of active flowering, in which almost all flower stalks have blossomed, top dressing for Phalaenopsis orchids is reduced. Now this should be done once a month. The active use of fertilizers can lead to accelerated flowering and stop the formation of new buds.

In the case where chemical or organic fertilizers, you do not need to introduce such additives during the period when the plant has already bloomed.

Feeding after transplant

The optimal time at which it is best to transplant phalaenopsis is the period after the end of flowering. The main mistake is the active use of fertilizer immediately after a flower transplant. Such an action causes significant harm to the plant, leads to its weakening and increases the risk of various diseases.

Why is it necessary to fertilize only during the growing season?

It is necessary to introduce top dressing only during the growth period, otherwise the fertilizer will not benefit the plant.

Feeding a flower when it is at rest does not make sense, and in some cases it is even dangerous - by introducing different means at the wrong time, you can activate the growth of phalaenopsis in an unnatural period for it. And frequent top dressing will give, instead of the expected intensive flowering, cause excessive leaf growth.

How to feed phalaenopsis at home?

Phalaenopsis orchid fertilizers can be applied by two methods: root or foliar. At the first time, the plant is fed in the morning for about half an hour after watering, due to which useful trace elements quickly come from the substrate to the roots. To do this, the orchid is placed in a solution with fertilizer for 15-20 minutes. Further, in order for the excess liquid to drain, you need to place it in a place where there is no draft. If there is a draft, the plant will rot. And only then put the flower pot in a permanent place.

But the foliar (leaf) feeding method is used more often. In order to avoid the bright rays of the sun, which can cause burns, fertilizer is carried out in the morning or in the evening.

The first stage is a gentle spraying of the roots on the surface and leaves with a special solution. In this case, you should try not to touch the flowers and buds. This method is convenient for injured roots, when there is a deficiency of micronutrients. When spraying a plant, you need to watch that moisture does not remain in its outlet, otherwise it may rot.

For those who want to find the most the best fertilizer for phalaenopsis orchids, you should pay attention to such concentrated top dressing:

• Agricola. This is a mineral fertilizer that was created specifically for feeding orchids. The introduction of the drug improves appearance flower, helps it grow faster. The advantages of such a tool include ease of dosing and use, since it is highly soluble in water.
• Brexil Combi. This is a combined fertilizer, which includes a large number of useful elements that are necessary if there is a deficiency of iron-containing substances in the flower.
• "Doctor Foley". This tool is intended for foliar fertilizer. The advantages include ease of use, a large amount of vitamins, useful substances and essential acids.
• Bona Forte. Liquid combined product intended for feeding orchids. Contains many substances that are necessary for the normal growth of the plant. Fertilizer is well bred, has an affordable cost.
• "Pocon". Such top dressing in the form of sticks is a product of a Dutch manufacturer. It is recommended to apply twice a month. The tool is easy to use, the price is affordable.
• "Fasco". Fertilizer created specifically for the care of orchids. The active ingredients that make up its composition contribute to the growth of leaves.

All of the above drugs provide effective top dressing. Before fertilizing phalaenopsis, you must carefully study the instructions and strictly follow all the recommendations indicated in it.

Can be applied to other types of orchids: brassia, cattleya, dendrobium, miltonia, oncidium.

Proper feeding and compliance with fertilizer standards will help the orchid bloom luxuriantly for several months a year. Mistakes in the application of stimulants will shorten the flowering time and lead to a sharp shedding of buds.

Orchid nutrition

During flowering

How to feed orchids during flowering?

Rules and restrictions

• Before fertilizing the flower need abundantly to saturate the roots with moisture and not burn fertilizers;
• Before using the concentrate shake the container with the drug, since it is possible to precipitate salts in the composition;
• Do not apply universal chemicals for indoor plants with a high nitrogen content;
• Do not apply dry in tablet form and in the form of sticks for orchids;
• Apply liquid concentrates top dressing for and plants;
• When processing on a leaf, do not fall on the peduncle with a fertilizer solution.

Are there any risks?

Carefully! If you artificially stimulate an orchid several times in a row, preventing it from recovering, it will weaken, be attacked by pests and fungi.

Basic feeding rules

In different phases of flowering

Do I need to feed the orchid during flowering? Consider the basic rules for processing fertilizers at different stages of flowering.

The formation of the peduncle, the laying of buds and the beginning of flowering

An orchid, before blooming flowers, spends a lot of energy on laying buds. During this period, she needs phosphorus and potassium.

Phosphorus promotes abundant and long flowering. Potassium affects the process of photosynthesis. Use preparations for feeding 1 time in 7 days from the moment the peduncle appears and at the beginning of the opening of the buds.

There are preparations for orchids with a small concentration of macronutrients and a normal proportion of microelements:

1. "Agrekol for orchids". Packing - 350 ml. Contains N - 5%, P - 5%, K - 5% and trace elements. Flow chart - 7 ml per 3 liters of water;
2. Biopon for orchids. Packaging - 500ml and 250ml. Contains N - 6%, P - 4%, K5%. Breeding rate- 1 cap per 1 liter of water;
3. "A clean slate for orchids." Packing - 310ml; in the composition of N - 1.5%, P and K - 4%, as well as all essential trace elements. Consumption rate- 1 cap per 2 liters of water;
4. "Flower paradise orchid". Contains nitrogen - 18%, phosphorus - 7%, potassium - 36%, magnesium and trace elements. Breeding rate for irrigation - 10 ml per 1 liter of water;
5. "Bona Forte for orchids". It consists of nitrogen - 4%, phosphorus - 2.5%, potassium - 7% and trace elements. Can I spray an orchid with it? Suitable for root watering and foliar spraying. Consumption rate under the root- 5 ml per 1.5 liters of water, leaf processing - 5 ml per 3 liters of water.

When most flower stalks bloom

In a grown peduncle, it is impossible to change the number of flowers that will bloom. Therefore, the introduction of macro- and microelements at this stage does not will not affect the flowering.

Why is it necessary to cancel fertilizing:

Exception make up orchids that bloom repeatedly without interruption for several months. They need to be fertilized once every seven days by doubling the concentration. Use fertilizer for flowering:

• "Agrekol for orchids";
• "Biopon for orchids";
• Or "Flower Paradise Orchid".

wilting buds

If the flower does not form a new peduncle or there are no buds on the old one, then the plant can arrange a dormant period.

It is recommended to apply a complex fertilizer with all macro- and microelements without large doses of potassium and phosphorus. Make it in two weeks after the last buds wither. Then reduce watering and fertilizing. Start fertilizing no earlier than a month later.

Fertilizer options:

• "Master for orchids" - liquid concentrate 300ml Contains nitrogen: 5%, potassium: 5%, phosphorus: 6%, as well as trace elements, phytohormones and amino acids. Dilution dose - 5 ml per 1.5 l of water;
• "Kemira Lux" - water soluble fertilizer without chlorine. Contains N:16, K:20.6, P:27 and trace elements boron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, sulfur. Method of application - 0.5 teaspoon per 5 liters of water .

In different seasons of the year

Winter and summer period

In winter and summer, you need to reduce the amount of watering to once a month.

What is the reason:

• IN cold period in a flower, all processes slow down and the roots will not have time to process a large amount of fertilizer during flowering;
• In summer in the hottest months heat air also negatively affects the ability of the plant to absorb macronutrients.

Spring and autumn period

Attention! Many orchids do not have a pronounced dormant period. But they definitely need rest after flowering, which reduces the frequency of feeding.

Preparations

Complex

How to feed an orchid at home? During flowering, it is recommended to apply complex preparations for fertilizer.

They have several advantages:

• Contain potassium and phosphorus;
• Microelements, phytohormones in chelated form for plants are available;
• Increase resistance to stress;
• Awaken dormant flower buds;
• They have a neutral acidity pH5 - 7. In an alkaline environment, trace elements will not be available for the flower;
• The salts of the constituent preparations do not accumulate in the substrate.

In the form of sticks and tablets

These drugs give nutrients to the plant unevenly. Most orchid species are made up of bark.

Dry matter is not distributed evenly over this substrate structure. Possible root burn on the one hand or lack of root nutrition on the other side of the container.

Excess and deficiency

From lack fertilizer plant
will not die, in extreme cases, it will slowly grow.

From overfeeding possible death of the flower due to rot and burns of the roots. From excessive application nitrogen fertilizers and excess watering, a pest appears - mealybug. It feeds on the juices of the orchid, the plant weakens and, if left untreated, dies.

Nitrogen-containing

How do they influence preparations with a high nitrogen content when top dressing during flowering:

• Few flower buds form;
• Flowering is short;
• On the appeared peduncle it can be formed simultaneously with the buds. She will take some of the nutrients for herself, and the flowers that appear will be small.

Useful video

Learn in the video how to feed an orchid:

Look at the video, what are the ways to feed orchids:

Interesting facts on the video, how to feed an orchid during the flowering period:

Video instruction, application of fertilizers for orchids:

Key points for top dressing during flowering:

• Apply complex fertilizers for orchids;
• Do not feed weak and pest-damaged plants;
• Do not stimulate the formation of new buds if flowering lasted several months in a row;
• Alternately apply root and leaf fertilizer;
• Do not apply organic matter with a high percentage of nitrogen for adult orchids with six to seven leaves;
• Alternately use mineral and organic fertilizers for growing plants.

So, correctly selected preparations for feeding will provide a blooming orchid with the necessary macronutrients, amino acids and phytohormones. Timely top dressing get rid of an unpleasant surprise in the form of prematurely fallen buds and help the orchid bloom profusely and for a long time.

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