Feeding orchids?
Question:I have been given an orchid as a gift, it came with a bottle of liquid feed which you snip the top off and insert the bottle top into the compost, my orchid has finished flowering do I let it rest or feed it now
Answers:
Hi John. Do you know which type of Orchid your plant is? Orchids have various flowering triggers - some needing cooler nights etc, thus typically flowering in the spring.
Otherwise, Orchids don't generally need tons of fertliser, as they - many of them - live in the bark of trees and don't have normal 'soil' expectations, most of them are like 'scavengers' getting nutrients as they can.
There are specialist Orchid feeds which are blended for the most commonly grown types - I assume this is probably what you have.
Flowering takes alot of energy from a plant and it is usually a good idea to continue feeding during this time. Now is a good time to start.
Commonly grown Orchids - require regular feeding:-
Phalaenopsis - thick fleshy leaves: will flower throughout the year
Usually grown in bark chips. Extremely popular.
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Cymbidiums - longer thin leaves : requires cooler nights to flower
I don't feed during winter, when there is no growth.
Usually grown in finer orchid compost.
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Dendrobium - I usually feed every 3 or 4 weeks. You'll probably find these die back in autumn, until spring.
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Oncidium - have a fleshy 'bulb' type base.Again fed every 3 or 4 weeks.
For most of mine, (I have too many to list) I usually feed about every two weeks, during the growing season. I've added some info on common types so that you could search on the net to identify yours and get specific growing tips.
To answer your question - do you feed now - yes! I've added my tips on feeding, just in case you or someone else does not use a trickle feeder.
Good luck! Rob
Excellent answer Rob - I can only add that I put mine oot into the garden at this time of year; cymbidium and phalaeonopsis, under my magnolia stellata - they fend for themselves and do fine.
stand it against a north facing wall to rest it
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