For orchids to grow healthily, they need a strong root system. Strong roots help orchids absorb essential nutrients and water, ensuring sustainable growth and the ability to bloom many flowers. With proper care, orchids can produce big, beautiful, and vibrant flowers that remain on the branches for up to six months before fading. Additionally, leaves that receive sufficient nutrients and light will remain lush green, sturdy, and resistant to diseases.
In this guide, I will share a simple yet highly effective organic fertilizer recipe made from ingredients commonly found in your kitchen. This natural fertilizer not only nourishes orchids but also protects them from pests and diseases, ensuring they thrive beautifully.
Ingredients Needed:
- One apple
- Two tablespoons of oatmeal
- One liter of water
- A jar with a tight lid
- A spray bottle
Step-by-Step Fertilizer Preparation:
- Preparing the Apple Solution:
- Cut the apple into small slices.
- Place the sliced apple into a jar.
- Pour boiling water over the apple slices, cover the jar tightly, and let it sit for at least an hour. This process extracts essential nutrients from the apple.
- Preparing the Oatmeal Solution:
- Add two tablespoons of oatmeal to another jar.
- Pour 500ml of room-temperature water over the oatmeal.
- Let it sit for one hour to allow the nutrients to dissolve.
- After an hour, filter out the residue from both the apple and oatmeal solutions.
- Mixing the Solutions:
- Combine the filtered apple and oatmeal solutions.
- Add one liter of water to dilute the mixture, creating a balanced fertilizer suitable for orchids.
Application Methods:
Method 1: Wiping the Leaves
- Take a cotton ball and soak it in the fertilizer solution.
- Gently wipe both the top and bottom of each leaf thoroughly.
- Do this 1-2 times a month to remove dirt, residue, and any fungal spores or insects hiding on the leaves.
- Pay special attention to the underside of the leaves, as this is where pests and fungal diseases often reside. Keeping the leaves clean ensures that stomata remain open, improving photosynthesis and overall plant health.
Method 2: Watering the Orchid Roots
- Pour the fertilizer solution directly onto the base of the orchids.
- This will stimulate the growth of new roots and enhance nutrient absorption.
- Additionally, this method helps maintain the proper moisture level in the growing environment, further promoting healthy growth.
- To maximize absorption, you can also soak the orchid roots in the solution for 20 minutes before removing them.
- Apply this method 1-2 times a month for sustainable growth and better flowering.
Method 3: Spraying the Leaves and Roots
- Pour the fertilizer solution into a spray bottle.
- Mist the orchid leaves and roots evenly.
- Apples contain essential carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, and other trace elements, along with an abundance of Vitamin A and C. These nutrients play a crucial role in stimulating root growth and flower development.
- Regular misting every two weeks with this organic fertilizer will yield noticeable improvements in the orchid’s health.
Additional Tips for Optimal Growth:
- Regular Fertilization: Consistently applying organic fertilizers, especially during the fall, is vital for orchid growth. This is the season when orchids develop new flower branches, requiring extra nutrition.
- Light Requirements: No amount of fertilizer will help your orchids if they do not receive sufficient light. Orchids require at least 12 hours of diffused light per day. Excessive direct sunlight can stress the plant, causing leaves to wilt and preventing growth.
- Combining Organic Fertilizers: You can combine this apple-oatmeal fertilizer with other organic fertilizers, such as banana peel water or potato peel water, to provide a well-rounded nutrient supply for orchids.
Expected Results:
After using this fertilizer for 2-3 applications, you will notice new roots emerging. With continued use, orchids will grow stronger, producing lush leaves and vibrant flowers that last longer.
By following this simple and effective method, you can ensure that your orchids remain healthy, free from pests and diseases, and produce stunning blooms for an extended period. Try this natural fertilizer today and watch your orchids thrive beautifully!
