Fertilizers - How to apply

[Lye Tuck Keong]

Greetings to All,

This is Lye from Malaysia. I'm new to OB.

It's regarding fertilizers, I read in an orchid book that ALL fertilizers are to be applied/sprayed on the leaves. Is that true? So the fertilizers are not to be applied on the roots?

Can someone please help?

Thanks.

[Ray]

While both roots and leaves are capable, roots are far more efficient at nutrient uptake.

Many orchid leaves are covered in thick, waxy cuticle layers that slow the loss of moisture, and that can also impede penetration of nutrient ions.

[Kevstar]

Welcome Lye!!

I'm not an expert by any means but I've noticed that many people recommend different ways to care for orchids and I own a lot of books that all give "the best" way to do things.

Like watering for example, many of my books say never ever soak the orchid in the pot and only ever let the water run through media. However, other books say soaking is the best method. Personally, I soak them and have not experienced any problems doing so.

With fertilizer, I have read that leaves can absorb nutrients but personally I would worry about stem/crown rot if water is being applied frequently to the leaves (especially as I'm fairly new to the world of orchids!) and so I only apply it to the roots.

From what I understand, Ray (who commented before me) is an absolute expert in this area and I would do what he advises 🙂

[Ray]

HAH! An expert is one who has killed his weight in orchids. I cannot imagine what an "absolute" expert is!

[Lye Tuck Keong]

Thanks to Ray & Kev.