Which Fertilization Method Works Best For Potted Orchids?

To ensure the health and growth of your orchid, it is essential to keep them in bright, indirect sunlight, water them when the soil has almost dried out completely, and fertilize them once a week during spring and summer with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to quarter-strength. Grow your orchids in a pot with drainage holes filled with bark-based potting mix or moss-based medium.

The best fertilizer for orchids is a balanced fertilizer that contains a higher ratio of nitrogen (N) for leaf growth, phosphorus (P) for root development, and potassium (K) for overall plant health. Choose the right fertilizer and when to apply it to ensure your orchids are healthy and have strong blooms.

To fertilize your orchid, mix the diluted fertilizer with at least an equal amount of water before applying it to your orchid. You may want to dilute it more, but make sure to do at least half. The NYBG Senior Curator of Orchids recommends using a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 in powder form to supply all the primary nutrients needed for active growing.

For orchids potted in bark media, use a 3:1:1 ratio fertilizer. Fertilize every two weeks with a half-strength fertilizer, and once a month during dormancy. For orchids with dormancy, do not fertilize. Fertilize orchids every 2 weeks during peak growth (spring and summer) and once a month during dormancy (fall and winter). This means that 3 out of 4 weeks, weakly fertilize your orchids with a diluted solution of fertilizer, about 1/2 to 1/4 strength. On the 4th week when watering, ensure to use the correct fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing.