How Often Should I Give My Orchids Liquid Fertilizer?

The AOS recommends using a “weekly, weakly” guideline for orchid fertilization. This involves choosing a balanced fertilizer, watering your orchid before fertilization, and diluting the fertilizer to between one-half and one-quarter strength. Orchid fertilizers should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, such as spraying, sprinklering, or mixing in potting media. Foliar feeding is another method of fertilization, where orchid food is misted onto the underside of the leaves for best results.

Orchid leaves can absorb nutrients in liquid form through the stomata, and almost 35 percent of the fertilizer sprayed was water-soluble. The frequency of fertilization depends on the type of orchid and the specific fertilizer used. Orchids should be fertilized every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Orchids need regular feeding to keep them healthy and happy, but it is important not to over-fertilize them. They are sensitive to fertilizer and too much can burn. To choose the best orchid fertilizer, it is crucial to purchase the correct formula. Tropical orchids are epiphytic, and experts recommend fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids once every other week or at least once a month only after their blooms have dropped.

The guidelines assume that orchids are watered once per week, with the “weakly” referring to a low-strength fertilizer. From November-February, fertilizing should be decreased to 25-50 ppm N/week. Paphs and Phals should be watered and fertilized twice a week, while Vanda should be fed with full-strength fertilizer once a month. Flushing roots at least once per month is recommended for year-round fertilization to enhance flower formation.