Deciduous Orchids

[Izzie]

Does witholding fertilizer benefit other orchids?

I've heard of some people not fertilizing in the winter?

I'd be so nervous not doing anything for them in the winter!

[SOS]

They typically arent in a growth cycle during their leafless period, of which fertilizing will do little good to plants not growing.

Nobile type also produce H202 at the abscission. Kind of neat.

[orkie]

Orchids that have very pronounced seasons typically do not benefit from fertilizer in the dry/cold season when they are not growing. In some cases, like in many Dendrobiums, it can inhibit flowering. If the plant is not growing, there is no reason to fertilize anyway. In general, even for plants that grow year round, like Vanda, are going to be much slower growing and should be fertilzed accordingly (i.e., not much).

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by SOS

They typically arent in a growth cycle during their leafless period, of which fertilizing will do little good to plants not growing.

Nobile type also produce H202 at the abscission. Kind of neat.

Makes sense when you say it that way.

Mind giving me an orchid anatomy lesson?