The best orchid mix for Phalaenopsis is an important element in caring for orchid plants. The plant needs optimal moisture, nutrients and space to thrive. A mix that doesn’t provide the right balance can stunt the growth of your orchids or cause them to become ill. Here are some suggestions on how to choose the best orchid fertilizer for your plant.

Most orchids grow best in high quality potting media that has medium to medium-high concentration of nitrogen. You can find these supplies at a nursery or a gardening supply store. The first thing you should do before orchid planting is decide if you want to raise your orchid plants from seed or just let them grow from transplants. There are benefits to be gained from either method. Before you get started with growing orchids, learn the differences between seed and transplanted orchid plants and then go from there.

Most orchids love a well-drained mixture of potting soil and potting media. Your choice of potting media will determine your plants’ health and it will also determine the nutrients the orchid plants require. For instance, orchids grown in poor soil tend to produce large amounts of chlorophyll, which turns the foliage green. Orchid fertilizer that is too rich in nutrients could turn the plant yellow instead of attractive green.

When growing orchids from cuttings or seed, it is best to avoid planting the orchid directly onto a layer of organic mulch. This can actually prevent orchids from growing towards the light by preventing photosynthesis. Planting your orchids directly onto the mulch can result in root rot and the roots may twist up the mulch causing dead root growth and a lack of sunlight for the plant. This results in the plant being underdeveloped and stunted. Using mulches will help keep the roots warm as they strive to find sunlight.

Many orchids like a well-drained substrate but this needs to be balanced with the proper amount of water. Plants that need a lot of water will drown the roots and have difficulty supporting the root system. On the other hand, orchids that grow on well-drained materials will become too wet and drown. Plants with a good amount of moisture will also grow much healthier than orchids that are forced to survive on minimal amounts of water. Watering your orchid plants should not be done too often. Every six weeks or so is usually sufficient.

After the initial fertilization, you can switch to a chemical fertilization. However, do not use any form of potash as this will affect orchids. Potassium metabisulfite is an excellent form of orchid fertilizer and is readily available at most garden centers. It works by soaking the orchid leaves and stems in it, then applying it directly to the orchid’s roots. It is very effective in rejuvenating the roots and prevents the plant from drying out.

When choosing the best orchid fertilizer, it is important to remember that any type of fertilizer will do fine if it is just right. Your orchids’ health depends on what you give them and how you give it. You want to use organic products that are gentle but still provide the nutrients your orchids need to thrive. Be sure not to use too much or you will be wasting both time and money on your orchids.

Once you have decided what is best for your orchids, be sure to follow all directions exactly as they are given so that your orchids will reward you with beauty and color. When you decide what is best orchid fertilizer for Phalaenopsis, be sure to keep these guidelines in mind. This will ensure that your orchids thrive and grow beautifully.