Orchid is a refined and elegant flower that decorates any interior.
It can bloom for several months in a row, delighting the eye with its bright and fragrant flowers.
But in order for the orchid to be healthy and lush, it needs proper care and feeding.
In this article, you will learn what solution to use for an orchid so that it blooms all year round.
What is orchid solution
Orchid solution is a special liquid fertilizer that contains all the necessary micro- and macroelements for the growth and development of the plant.
It provides the orchid with nutrition, stimulates the formation of buds and improves immunity. Orchid solution can be purchased in specialized stores or made independently from available ingredients.
How to choose or make a solution for orchids
If you want to buy a ready-made solution for orchids, pay attention to its composition and proportions. It is better to choose balanced fertilizers with proportions of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This means that the fertilizer contains the same amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
It is also important that the fertilizer contains microelements such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc and others.
They help the orchid to assimilate essential elements and prevent deficiency or excess of any of them.
If you want to make your own orchid solution, you will need the following ingredients.
• Water. Use only clean and soft water without chlorine and lime salts. Rain or melt water is best. If you use tap water, boil it first.
• Salt. Add a pinch of iodine-free table salt to the water. Salt helps absorb other elements and improves the condition of the roots.
• Sugar. Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the water. Sugar is a source of energy for the orchid and promotes flowering.
• Citric acid. Add a pinch of citric acid or a few drops of lemon juice to the water. Citric acid reduces water hardness and regulates its pH. Orchids need a slightly acidic environment for normal growth and flowering.
• Aspirin. Dissolve half an aspirin tablet in water. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which strengthens the orchid’s immunity and protects it from diseases and pests.
All these ingredients need to be mixed in a liter of water and stirred well. The resulting solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How to use orchid solution
The orchid solution should be used once a month during the flowering period of the plant. For this, you can use different methods.
• Watering. Water the orchid with the solution from a watering can or spray bottle. Try not to get it on the leaves and flowers, so as not to cause rot or stains. After watering, allow excess water to drain from the pot.
• Misting. Spray the orchid with the solution from a spray bottle or atomizer. Do this in the morning or evening, when there is no direct sunlight. Spray only the roots and stems, avoiding the leaves and flowers.
• Immersion. Immerse the orchid together with the pot in a container with the solution for 10-15 minutes. Then take the orchid out and let it dry on a towel or napkin.
After using the orchid solution, do not forget to water the plant with regular clean water every day or two to avoid drying out the roots.
Now you know what solution to use for your orchid so that it blooms beautifully all year round. This simple and inexpensive method will help you maintain your orchid in excellent condition and enjoy its beauty.
