Avoiding common mistakes in orchid care: Fertilizing tips and substrate essentials
Orchids are found in many homes. A common mistake in fertilizing them results in the disappearance of flowering and the spoiling of shoots. Not every homemade fertilizer is suitable to support our orchids, and this one brings the opposite of the intended effect.
13 September 2024 13:28
Caring for an orchid may seem complicated, but following a few basic rules allows you to enjoy its beauty for longer. With the proper practices, orchids can decorate our homes for many years.
How do you deal with the situation when an orchid suddenly starts wilting and no buds appear on its stems, indicating flowering? It is very likely that this is due to a popular homemade fertilizer.
The right substrate is essential
Orchids grow on tree bark in their natural environment, so providing them with the appropriate substrate at home is essential. A common mistake is using regular potting soil. This type of substrate retains too much water, leading to root rot.
It is worth investing in a special light and permeable orchid substrate. A good choice can be a mix of tree bark, coconut fibre, perlite, and charcoal. Ensuring proper air circulation and humidity is crucial for orchid health.
Using this fertilizer? You better stop
On various internet forums, we can find the "golden advice" to occasionally water orchids with a fertilizer made from beer diluted with water. Unfortunately, the effects of such a procedure can be dire.
It is hard not to notice that beer contains quite a bit of alcohol, which will not be appreciated by delicate and sensitive plants. Watering with beer can, at best, dry out their shoots, and at worst, permanently damage them.
Experts from the portal mentioned emphasize that beer fertilizer can dry out stems, which in turn will prevent our plants from blooming. Although beer contains nutrients such as yeast, hops, and barley malt, orchids do not favour this type of fertilizer.
