When To Start Orchid Fertilization?

Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources like fish and seaweed, such as kelp emulsions, ground bones, blood meal, and manure. They have lower concentrations of macro and micronutrients than inorganic fertilizers and depend on biological and chemical processes to take effect. Orchids should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. In winter, cut back to every two to four months since orchids enter the plant.

The best time to fertilize orchids is during vegetative growth, which is crucial for their proper development and blooming. When you observe new leaf or root growth, bud spike, or new shoot, you need to feed them with fertilizer to meet their increasing requirement for growing new tissue. Orchids have unique growth cycles, and their nutritional requirements can change depending on the time of year.

Orchid care involves understanding the right timing for fertilization, as well as knowing what nutrients they need. Orchids have unique growth cycles, and their nutritional requirements can change depending on the time of year. Fertilizing orchids correctly is essential for their health and strong blooms.

For Phalaenopsis orchids, it is recommended to fertilize them once every other week or at least once a month only after their blooms have dropped. This means 3 out of 4 weeks, weakly fertilizing with a diluted solution of fertilizer, about 1/2 to 1/4 strength. On the 4th week when watering, start fertilizing again once the plant shows signs of fresh growth in the spring.

In general, orchids should be fertilized every 2 weeks during peak growth (spring and summer) and once a month during dormancy (fall and winter). For best results, fertilizer should be diluted and applied weekly, especially during the winter months.