Even the most seasoned of orchid growers tend to use the terms “orchid food” and “orchid fertilizer” as if they were synonymous but they are wrong because orchids actually make their own food by combining water (H2O) plus carbon dioxide (CO2) and the energy they derive from sunlight through a process known as photosynthesis.

The truth is that fertilizer is a vitally important nutrient that should ideally contain, according to plant nutritionists, roughly seventeen distinct elements such as the following macro nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Although they are needed in smaller proportions, orchid plants also need micro elements such as Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Z). And in even small quantities, orchids need a wide variety of trace elements.

A good orchid fertilizer should have all of the elements I listed above and a commercially packaged fertilizer will denote the percentage of its macro elements in the following order: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). For example, if the label reads 15-23-40 if means that the said product contains 15% Nitrogen (N) plus 23% Potassium or Phosphates (K) plus 40% Potassium or Potash (K).

Are you wondering what is so special about the macro elements and why they are so critical? Well, I’ll be happy to tell you.

  • Nitrogen is the macro element that paints the orchid leaves in their deep green color as it promotes their growth. And Nitrogen is also need for the growth of the stem that will carry the orchid’s magnificent bloom.
  • Phosphorous is the macro element that promotes the development and growth of the orchid plant’s root system and its breathtakingly beautiful and eye catching flowers.
  • Potassium is the macro element that is instrumental in building the orchid’s tissues and helps it produce the chlorophyll without which it cannot survive.

The ratios or percentages of the micro and trace elements may not be actually spelled out but the label should indicate their presence or you will be depriving your orchid of some of its needs.

Calculating ratio versus what the product yields when mixed in with water can be quite complicated, so we recommend that you follow the simple guidelines I’ve already mentioned and then do some online research at consumer report sites. Personally, I like the Grow More products because they always include all the elements (macro, micro and trace) and I have had best results when using them. A good source for research is Orchid USA.

Once you have determined which is the best fertilizer for your orchid plants, please do not get carried away because too much of a good thing is not so good. So, fertilizing your orchid just every other watering which should be approximately every other week is quite sufficient.

Stay tune to this Orchid Care.org site for more information about orchid growing and the best fertilizers as well as anything you ever wanted or needed to know about your orchid plants.

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Filed under: Orchid Supplies

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