Are you unable to choose the best orchid fertilizer for your favourite orchids?
I understand.
There are tons of orchid fertilizers available on the market. And choosing the best among them is quite a task!
But, no worries.
In this post, I will tell you all about the top orchid fertilizers on the market, along with their pros and cons. This will make it easier for you to choose the one you think will work best for your orchids.
Orchids symbolize nobility, elegance, and strength. Its beauty is such that even the most unromantic person will fall in love with it! And that’s exactly why you can find it in almost every garden of flower lovers.
The orchids that grow in the wild get a number of nutrients from rotting leaves, bark, dead insects, lichen, fungi, bird droppings, and rainwater.
Now, when you plant these beautiful flowers in your garden, you need to give them supplemental nutrients in order to optimize their growth.
So, what are the best orchid fertilizers out there, and how to use them?
Keep reading!
Our Top Pickup: 7 Best Orchid Fertilizer
- Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Ready-To-Use Mist
- EarthPods Orchid Plant Food 100 Organic Fertilizer Spikes
- Better Gro Orchid Fertilizer Plus Bloom Booster
- Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Spikes
- Grow More Urea Free Orchid Fertilizer
- Florikan Dynamite Fertilizer For Orchids & Bromeliads
- Espoma Organic Orchid Plant Food
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Ready-To-Use Mist | • Good for indoor plants • Easy to use • Can revive broken orchids | |
 | EarthPods Orchid Plant Food 100 Organic Fertilizer Spikes | • 100% natural ingredients • No smell • child friendly | |
 | Better Gro Orchid Fertilizer Plus Bloom Booster | • High phosphorus content • Encourages new growth • Enhances the bloom vibrancy | |
 | Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Spikes | • Slow-release product • Year-round results • N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 | |
 | Grow More Urea Free Orchid Fertilizer | • Provides complete nutrition • No urea • N-P-K ratio: 20-10-20 | |
 | Florikan Dynamite Fertilizer For Orchids & Bromeliads | • Environment-friendly • High potassium content • Slow-release product | |
 | Espoma Organic Orchid Plant Food | • Organic ingredients • Child-friendly • no Smell |
Best Orchid Fertilizer and How to Use
#1. Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Ready-To-Use Mist
Did you know what I liked the most about this fertilizer?
You don’t need to dilute it to use it. Instead, you get it in a handy spray bottle. This makes the application as smooth as butter.
All you need is to spray it on the potting medium, roots, and leaves of your orchid plants, and you’re all set. Your plants will get all the moisture and nutrients they need.
In my garden, there were some not-so-good-looking orchid plants that hadn’t bloomed lately. So I used this orchid food on their leaves. I was a bit skeptical about using it on the leaves as they are prone to burning. But to my great surprise, it didn’t do any harm to the leave, and the results were terrific.
Here is a note of caution!
Do not use it on your orchid blooms. However, I wanted to experiment, and so I used it on my orchid flowers. Unfortunately, and sadly, I lost some flowers.
How to Use:
Throughout the growing season of orchids, spay them weekly. Also, make sure to water them in between feeds. This spray is excellent in providing the required moisture to the roots and leaves by creating a fine mist. If you are looking for an easy and quick way to directly give nutrients to your orchid plants, this is the one.
Pros
- Add instant nutrients and moisture
- A great choice for terrestrial orchids
- You don’t need to dilute it
Cons
- If you accidentally use it on the blooms, it will damage them.
#2. EarthPods Orchid Plant Food 100 Organic Fertilizer Spikes
Are you looking for an organic orchid fertilizer?
This Earth Pods from the house of Earthworm Technologies is the one that has made it to my list of the best orchid fertilizers. And it won’t disappoint you.
An entirely sustainable product, the Earth Pods come in a no-mess capsule form. They are eco-friendly and child-friendly too.
Apart from being good for the environment, it does its job well. For example, you can use it to boost the growth of the roots and increase the flowers and foliage in a completely natural way.
The US manufacturer of this product paid quite attention to creating this all-natural orchid fertilizer.
Do you know what I liked the most about this product?
It has no smell!
Yes, and you can feed it to other epiphytic and terrestrial plants too.
Now, isn’t that awesome?
How to Use:
Take your potting medium. Place the needed amount of these Earthpods fertilizer capsules directly in it. Or, you can separate the capsule. And then use the contents onto the bark substrate of orchids. You can repeat this process every 14 to 21 days. Also, make sure to water in between feeds.
Pros
- It has 100% natural ingredients
- It is mess-free
- Easy to use
- Perfect for a deep green color
- You can use it for indoor and outdoor orchids
Cons
- If you have medium to large orchids, you will need more than one capsule
- Costly
#3. Better Gro Orchid Fertilizer Plus Bloom Booster
Has your orchid not bloomed lately? Does it need a pick-me-up to boost its growth?
Then you can give this orchid fertilizer from the house of The Sun Bulb Company a try.
This fertilizer has high amounts of phosphorus. Using this will help in the growth of new buds. Also, it will enhance the longevity and vibrancy of your orchid flowers.
Throughout the growing season, I used this fertilizer on my epiphytic orchids. I wanted to provide my plants with the nutrients that they lack from a soil-less growing environment. And I quite liked the results. The growth of my orchids was promoted. They grew healthier and bigger. And that is the reason why I included this in my list of top fertilizers.
How to Use:
To use the granular formula, mix it with water. Then, throughout the growing season, use it every month. This is easy to dilute. Also, this fertilizer is highly convenient to use on both your bark and the foliage of your orchid plants.
Pros
- You can get healthy and long-lasting flowers
- It stimulates the growth of your orchids to a great extent
- It is easy to use
- It comes at a pocket-friendly price
- Great for young orchids
Cons
- If you overuse it, it can become harsh to your orchids.
Bonus Read: 16 Best DIY Outdoor Shelving for Plants
#4. Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Spikes
This orchid fertilizer does the hard work of fertilizing for you. The Miracle-Gro Plant Food Spikes come with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. This makes them one of the best orchid fertilizers on the market.
You can use them not only on Phalaenopsis orchids but also on other terrestrial orchids.
This fertilizer has a slow-release formula. This means all you need is to replace the spikes every two months. You don’t have to use them any other time apart from the growing season.
I have used this product and experienced some great results throughout the year. When it was growing season, the blooms were vibrant. And the foliage remained lush year-round.
You can get the spikes wrapped individually. It is very handy to use.
How to Use:
All you need is to take out the spike from the blister pack. And then, cut it in half. Now take your potting medium, and press the spike into it gently. It should be halfway – between the edge of the pot and the stem. To provide nutrients near the root and the soil, water it regularly.
Pros
- You can apply it directly to the potting medium. No need to dilute it with water
- Good value of money
- You only need to use it during the growing season
- Easy to use
- Geat for active growing plants
- You can use it for indoor orchids
Cons
- Some people thought it to be gimmicky
- Packaging could be better
#5. Grow More Urea Free Orchid Fertilizer
Do you need a fertilizer that can help you develop bright blooms?
Check this product out!
This orchid food comes from the house of Grow More. It has a balanced N-P-K ratio: 20-10-20. This works great on orchids and provides them with all the nutrition they need. Not only that, with this fertilizer, you can have beautiful blooms and lush green foliage.
Now, did I tell you what is the most that I liked about this product?
It doesn’t have urea!
Well, for plants, urea is no doubt valuable, as it is a source of nitrogen. However, in order to convert this nitrogen into a usable form, urea needs soil organisms.
Now, there are hundreds of orchids that grow in bark and not in soil. So, epiphytic orchids can’t make use of this nitrogen – a valuable element.
How to Use:
A little of the Grow More Urea Free Orchid Fertilizer 20-10-20 goes a long way, and I have experienced that. The granules can dissolve in water – easily and quickly. For fertilizing weekly, you can combine 1 gallon of water and 1 tsp of the granules.
I use this solution to give my orchid bark a thorough soak. Before placing the orchid back in its ornamental pot, I make sure to drain the solution into the sink from the pot. This allows me to feed and water at the same time.
Also, in between feeds, I don’t require watering it. Once every four weeks, you can skip the feed and just water your orchid plants. This will help you flush out any residual build-up of salt that can otherwise harm your orchids.
Pros
- This orchid fertilizer doesn’t contain urea
- It produces healthy and long-lasting flowers
- It helps in new growth
Cons
It can be harsh if you overuse it
#6. Florikan Dynamite Fertilizer For Orchids & Bromeliads
Some people don’t get time to fertilize their orchids on a month-by-month or week-by-week basis. And some just don’t like it or forget about feeding.
Do you fall under any of these groups?
Then you can give this product a try.
Florikan Dynamite Fertilizer for Orchids & Bromeliads is a great product when it comes to fertilizing your orchids. This is a slow-release product, and all you need is to use it just once. Then, when it is the active growing season, feed your plants with this.
It has a high ratio of potassium. Using this on your orchids and bromeliads will make them give more flowers throughout the year. The fertilizer granules will release slowly and work on your plants very gradually.
I like that I need to use this miracle orchid fertilize just once, and all the nutrient requirements will be taken care of.
How to Use:
You need to measure out the slow-release granules of the fertilizers and sprinkle them in and around your potting medium. Of course, before you do that, make sure to know what the size of your orchid pot is. Once you use this fertilizer, you need to water the plants regularly for the next nine months. And don’t forget to admire the growth and beauty of the gorgeous flowers!
Pros
- You can use it for both orchids and bromeliads
- This is a slow-release product which means the effect will last for nine long months
Cons
- It doesn’t aid in recovering the orchids that need some extra attention and care.
Also Read: Is Coco Coir Good For Plant? | All You Need To Know
#7. Espoma Organic Orchid Plant Food
This organic liquid orchid food comes from the house of Espoma. I kind of like this company. They just know how to blow your mind with the right organic ingredients and still keep the price pocket-friendly. This makes me buy their products again and again.
Coming to the product, it has a high ratio of phosphorous. This suggests, your orchids will grow with excellent health, last longer, and have a bright color when they are in full bloom.
How to Use:
The product comes with a cap which makes the feeding process easy-peasy and, of course, mess-free. All you need is to tip the bottle upside down and get the product out. Next, you need to mix it with 1 gallon of water. So make sure you know how much product to dispense. You don’t need to wait for long for the product to get diluted. It dilutes almost instantly. Then you have to pour it onto your orchid bark.
Repeat this process once every 3 to 4 weeks and say hello to your pretty little blooms!
Before feeding my orchid bark with this solution, I always water the bark thoroughly. Also, I make it a point to check if all the fertilizer liquid has drained off. Then only I put it back to its ornamental pot.
Pros
- It comes with a lid dispenser making it easy and mess-free to use
- It doesn’t have any harmful chemical
- It is easy on the pocket
- It has high-quality ingredients
- The doses are pre-measured so that you can use them with ease.
Cons
- It has a strong smell
Tips for Selecting the Right Orchid Fertilizer
Choosing the right fertilizer for your orchids is very important. If you choose the wrong fertilizer, it can cause damage to your beloved orchid plants. So, to help you make the right choice, I have come up with some tips:
- Don’t go beyond 20% Nitrogen
In order to grow orchids, you don’t need high amounts of nitrogen. It doesn’t matter what potting media you’re using. In case the amount of nitrogen is high, your plants will not be able to consume it all. And, as a result, it will harm your plant by becoming a pollutant.
- Look Fornitrate-nitrogenn or Ammoniacal Nitrogen
Have a look at the labels. Did you findnitrate-nitrogenn or ammoniacal nitrogen in it? According to recent research, these compounds are good for orchids.
- Choose little to no Urea
Gone are the days when people used to think that urea was good for orchids. Now we know that the truth is just the opposite. Nitrogen compounds can take a year to break down and be available as plant food to your orchids.
Now, when there is no urea in the fertilizer, your orchids can get all the nitrogen in the mix as food – all at once.
Also, in order to metabolize urea-based fertilizers, soil-borne bacteria are needed. Then only can it be available as plant food to your orchids. This doesn’t work for non-terrestrial orchids.
- Check for Trace Elements
Look for trace elements in the fertilizer you choose. This includes boron, copper, sodium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and iron. If you find these in the product label, go for it.
- Look for Magnesium and Calcium
Your orchids need magnesium and calcium as these are micronutrients. They use calcium to build cell walls as well as other structures. On the other hand, they use magnesium to produce chlorophyll. This is needed for their metabolic processes.
FAQ’s
If you’re going to use orchid fertilizers for the first time, then you might have a lot of questions in mind. To help you with that, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Ans. Generally, there are two types of fertilizers that you get to buy from the market. One is foliar fertilizer, and the other is slow-release fertilizer.
What is the main difference between them?
It’s the time of application.
When it comes to foliar fertilizer, in most cases, you need to use it once a week. From this type of fertilizer, your plants will get periodical nutrients.
Do you have time to take regular care of your orchids?
Then this fertilizer will work great for you.
The case is not the same with a slow-release fertilizer. In most cases, you need to use this type of fertilizer once every three to six months. Of course, it depends on the instruction that is there on the product.
The nutrients will go deep into the root of the plant and the soil gradually. Are you busy and don’t get enough time to feed your orchids regularly?
Then I would suggest you go for slow-release fertilizers.
Ans. When your orchids are in their growth and development process, the NPK fertilization becomes a valuable part of it. These are the best orchid fertilizers as they have the right amounts of nutrients to feed your plants.
So, what exactly is this NPK?
Well, NPK stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. When it comes to flowering plants, these substances can be of great help.
Nitrogen is good for leaves. It offers nourishment to your orchid leaves and boosts their growth.
Phosphorus is used for ornamental plants, fruits, and flowers to encourage the growth of blooms, green leaves, and roots.
Potassium contributes to the health of tubers and roots. If there is a lack of potassium, it can lead to underdeveloped plants and yellow leaves.
Some other essential nutrients are magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. However, these are not required in large quantities.
Ans. For most effective fertilization, feed your orchids right after you have watered the bark of your orchid thoroughly. Take the fertilizing solution and pour it over the wet bark.
Before putting it back to its ornamental pot, make sure that it has been drained off.
Why?
Because this will allow the roots and expanded bark to absorb enough fertilizer. And that too, without saturation.
Ans. Generally, during the active growth season, your orchids need to be fed once a week. I mean during the summer and spring seasons. Also, some fertilizers are meant to be used once a month when it’s the resting season. This suggests the time of fall and winter.
Ans. Well, it depends on the type of orchids that you’re growing.
Now, if you have phalaenopsis orchids, they grow throughout the year. So, in that case, you need to feed them all year round, even in the months of winter. But you should reduce the amount of fertilizer you apply.
This is because the weather is colder during the winter months. And your orchids will get less sunlight for their growth of root and foliage. This means your orchids will need fewer nutrients as they will grow at a slower pace.
During this time, fertilize every four weeks and feed at just half strength.
Ans. These are some symptoms of malnutrition in orchids that you should watch out for:
● When there is a lack of nitrogen, your plant will get stunted. As a result, there will be a limited number of buds. Also, the leaves will turn yellow.
● When there is a lack of potassium, your orchid plants will be underdeveloped. As a result, they will be vulnerable to diseases and pests. In addition, the seed germination will be poor.
● When there is a lack of phosphate, your orchid plants will be short with underdeveloped roots. As a result, they will bloom slowly, young shoots will not grow, and there will be less fruiting.
● The lack of calcium will result in underdeveloped roots, weak plants, and small leaves that will fall quickly.
● The lack of sulfur will make your plants barren. Your plants will become sick. And young leaves will turn yellow.
● Magnesium deficiency will make the roots large but the leaves small. As there will be a lack of chlorophyll, the old leaves will turn silvery-white.
Ans. If you get an orchid fertilizer that comes with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20, it will offer balanced nutrients for your terrestrial orchids. However, it will not be sustainable for epiphytic orchids – the plants planted in planting medium that does not have a soil base, for example, bark.
Why?
Because bark doesn’t have the nitrogen that naturally occurs in soil.
Let me make it simple for you.
Go for an orchid fertilizer 20-20-20 only when you’re sure that the orchid you’re growing is one of the two hundred terrestrial kinds that grow well in soil.
And if you’re not growing your orchids in soil, go for fertilizers that come with a higher nitrogen ratio.
Ans. If I talk about the most grown orchid types, then they flower once or twice a year.
Orchids are delicate flowers, and they are sensitive to fertilizers. And this is especially true for their budding and flowering stages.
Once your orchid plants start blooming, reduce the amount of fertilizer. Per one gallon of water, mix ¼ teaspoon of fertilizer.
Throughout the blooming season, fertilize your budding orchids once every four weeks.
Now that you know all about the best orchid fertilizers, which ones are you going to buy?
Let me know in the comments!