How do I feed my orchids?
Getting the balance right — from nutrients to timing.
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked — not just by beginners, but by experienced growers as well. There’s no magic answer, just sixteen essential elements for plant growth.
Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, and the nutrients we supply help power the reactions that happen inside the plant during this and other vital processes. To keep them growing well, we need to make sure the right balance of nutrients is available at the right time.
That balance changes with the seasons and the plant’s stage of growth. During active growth, plants need more nitrogen to support lush, leafy development. As they move into the pre-flowering and flowering stages, they benefit from higher levels of potassium and phosphorus, which help strengthen spikes and support bud and flower formation.
We use liquid fertiliser for our orchids. It’s applied during watering from above the plants, so the diluted mix runs over the leaves before soaking into the potting media. That way, the plants get a bit of foliar feeding on the way through, and the roots receive nutrients straight after — a win–win.
We like liquid feeding because it gives us complete control. We can deliver exactly what the plants need, when they need it. As the fertiliser solution filters through the mix, it flows into the spaces between the media particles. Coarser mixes have bigger gaps and don’t hold much moisture; finer ones hold onto more. The roots live in these spaces, taking up water and nutrients as the solution passes by.
Plants absorb moisture and fertiliser through a process called osmosis. In simple terms, that means the fertiliser moves through the root’s outer layer — a semipermeable membrane — from a weaker solution into a stronger one inside the plant. It’s worth remembering that the fertiliser solution must always be less concentrated than what’s inside the plant cells; otherwise, the plant can’t take it up properly.
In all fertiliser formulations, nutrients are supplied to plants as compounds. Some of these are easily taken up by the roots, while others need to be converted into a usable form through microbial activity before the plant can absorb them. For example, the urea form of nitrogen must first be transformed by soil microbes before the plant can use it.
The way these nutrient compounds are supplied makes a big difference to the quality, effectiveness, and cost of a fertiliser. We use a lot of fertiliser in our nursery, so to keep costs down — and quality high — we blend our own mixes. We also confirm that our fertiliser is doing its job with regular leaf testing.
One of the biggest advances in fertilisers in recent years is the all-in-one liquid formula. Traditionally, feeding programs kept calcium and phosphorus separate because mixing them causes the two elements to form an insoluble compound called calcium phosphate.
Modern technology has changed that. Products like Growth Technology’s FOCUS ORCHID Fertiliser use advanced techniques that allow these essential elements to coexist in a single, stable solution. It delivers the balanced mix we’re after — all in one easy-to-use product.
There are three formulations available: one for growth, one for flowering and flower induction, and a general all-rounder. We recommend Grow and Bloom for strongly seasonal orchids such as Cymbidiums, which bloom through winter and rely on the right fertilising regime to trigger flower initiation. The balanced formula suits orchids that flower more freely — like Cattleyas, Oncidiums, and Vandas — which can bloom at almost any time of year.
Adding seaweed or kelp extracts gives orchids a real boost — a kind of natural tonic. These extracts provide extra minerals, amino acids, natural growth stimulants, chelating agents, and complex sugars, along with fulvic acid, a powerful natural growth promoter.
We use kelp extract to help our plants cope with heat and to recover more quickly after potting. It’s a gentle, natural way to keep them resilient and growing strong.
We fertilise with every watering, right through the year. During the warmer months, when brighter light means the plants are photosynthesising at a higher rate, we use a weak solution. In winter, when the light is softer and growth slows, we drop the concentration back even further.
Consistent application is the key to healthy, steady growth. Understanding your plants’ needs — whether they like to stay moist or prefer to dry a little between waterings — and knowing how your media behaves will tell you when to water. These factors are all shaped by your growing environment.
It’s this balance of observation, timing, and care that makes orchid growing so rewarding. Every day brings a new chance to learn, adjust, and enjoy the process.
🌸 Happy growing — and may your orchids reward your care with strong roots, healthy leaves, and beautiful blooms all year round.
