Orchid Fertilizer - Fertilizer = Food For Orchids
By Graham Holmes

Are you keen to learn how to grow and care for orchids? You'll want to familiarize yourself with Fertilizer...

Fertilizer is to orchids what a good tuna salad is to humans - it's food, it contains a blend of nutrients that can be absorbed and converted into energy for growth and adequate development.

Any good orchid fertilizer will have a mix of three core substances - Macronutrients - as well as a number of other substances - or Micronutrients - often called 'trace elements'.

The 3 Macronutrients are:

1. Nitrogen

Most notable contribution is aiding stem and leaf growth (if the plant doesn't get enough, growth may be restricted... however, too much can prevent flowering).

2. Phosphorous

Used in the process of photosynthesis and helps the construction of Protein. It is required for flower production; too little and you can expect growth to be slow...maybe the plant will lose any flowers too early.

3. Potassium

Helps synthesise proteins and the division of cells in plants. Also plays a roll in water management (absorption and loss, as necessary).

The Micronutrients that may be included in any fertilizer are:

• Sulphur
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Manganese (pronounced: "MAN-gan-eez")
• Boron
• Zinc
• Copper
• Molybdenum (pronounced: "Moll-IB-den-um")
• Chlorine
• Nickel
• Sodium
• Cobalt
• Silicon

Organic fertilizers come mostly in the form of Cow Manure, or Guano (droppings from Sea Birds - which happens to be referred to in the book version of Dr No, "James Bond"... sorry, I was doing research for orchids at the same time as reading that book and the coincidence wasn't lost on me)...

Anyway, when it comes to buying Fertilizer, it's preferable to go for the 'inorganic' varieties, as they'll have been through a special treatment process to destroy possible disease. The inorganic varieties are your typical solutions available at any good plant store or orchid retailer.

Fertilizer can come in two different varieties: 1. Coated Fertilizer, which commonly are pellets that gradually release the nutrients over a period of time; 2. Water-soluble Fertilizer - this is mostly available in liquid form and applied to the plant diluted with water.

While the plant can absorb some of the Fertilizer that makes contact with the leaves, the main point of entry is via the roots. Spray the roots and the leaves, but DON'T SPRAY THE FLOWER ITSELF!

When the flower hasn't begun to bloom, use a solution where the greater component is Nitrogen (remember, this really helps growth of leaves and stem); however, as soon as the orchid shows signs of beginning to open its flower, switch to a solution with a component ratio where Phosphorous and Potassium is greater than the Nitrogen element.

Just be careful when applying the Fertilizer - you're likely to be adding water to dilute it... any that gets trapped between the leaves, and/or new growth, can cause bacteria or fungi to build up when temperatures become colder during the night... this can lead to the death of the plant.

One last thing, on the subject of using Fertilizer to help you grow and care for orchids; over time, sediment can build up, which will block the pores of the plant (just like you body breathes through tiny holes in your skin, so too the plant in the leaves and elsewhere). Use clear water to 'Flush' the potting media - scheduling to do this once every 4th watering appears to be a great habit to get into.

Orchidians.com is the result of beginner's experiences related to growing and caring for orchids. Based on quality research, this experience is documented in the popular e-publication "Orchid Newbies". Orchidians.com is also a source of informative articles, tips & advice for beginners from the global orchid community.

How to Grow Orchids...Learn with Orchid Newbies

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