Today, I will share a highly effective method to encourage orchids that have not bloomed for a long time to flower again. Additionally, I will show you how to treat orchid leaf diseases using a natural and simple solution: onion water. Onions contain strong antioxidant properties and essential nutrients that benefit plant health, making them an excellent natural remedy for orchids.
The Benefits of Onion Water for Orchids
Onions, whether yellow or red, are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes them an excellent tool for maintaining orchid health. The natural compounds in onions help boost the plant’s immunity, protect against infections, and promote stronger roots and vibrant flowers.
How to Prepare Onion Water
To begin, slice an onion into thin pieces and place them into an empty bowl. Next, add boiling water to the sliced onions. The boiling water will help extract the beneficial nutrients and compounds from the onion. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 12 hours, or overnight. This waiting period ensures that the nutrients are fully absorbed into the water. After the mixture has cooled, it will be ready for use.
Pruning Orchid Flower Branches
While waiting for the onion water to be ready, let’s discuss an essential step in orchid care: pruning. If your orchid’s flowers have fallen off, the first thing you need to do is prune the flower branch. Pay close attention to the nodes along the branch.
Each flower branch has nodes, some of which are empty while others are full. The empty nodes are where flowers once bloomed and have now fallen off. When pruning, always leave the full nodes intact, as these contain small sprouts that may develop into new flower branches or keiki (baby orchids). Use sharp scissors to make a clean cut between the full and empty nodes.
If an orchid has been blooming continuously for 3-4 seasons, its branches may begin to turn yellow. This occurs because the plant becomes exhausted from producing flowers for extended periods. When this happens, prune the yellowing branch from the base. Avoid cutting it too high, as this may stress the plant.
Using Onion Water for Orchid Care
After letting the onion water sit overnight, it will develop a slightly golden color. Now, strain the liquid, discarding the onion pieces. This step is crucial, as only the water will be used for the orchids. Once strained, mix the onion water with an equal amount of purified water. This dilution ensures the mixture is not too strong for the delicate orchids.
We will use the onion water in two different ways:
1. As a Foliar Fertilizer for Healthy Orchids
Pour some of the diluted onion water into a spray bottle. Lightly mist the top and underside of your orchid’s leaves. This method helps the plant absorb essential nutrients through its leaves, enhancing photosynthesis and overall health.
Spraying the leaves with onion water once a month will strengthen your orchids, making them more resistant to disease and pests.
2. Treating Yellowing Leaves and Insect Infestation
If your orchid has yellowing leaves, insect infestation, or other leaf diseases, use onion water as a natural treatment. Spray the affected leaves, focusing on both the top and underside. Onion water acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, helping to prevent infections and repel harmful insects.
For disease-prone orchids, apply onion water once a week until the plant shows signs of improvement. In addition to spraying the leaves, you can also apply the solution to the stem and base of the plant. After application, place the orchid in a well-ventilated area with plenty of light, allowing it to dry naturally.
Checking Orchid Roots Before Watering
Before watering or fertilizing your orchid, always check the color of its roots. Healthy roots should be green. If the roots appear white or gray, the plant needs water. However, if the roots are still green, avoid watering, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Using Onion Water as Fertilizer to Encourage Blooming
If your orchid has healthy roots but has not bloomed for a long time, onion water can stimulate flowering. To apply, pour a maximum of 8 tablespoons of the diluted onion water into each orchid pot. This process can be repeated once a month.
Onion water provides essential minerals that enhance flower production, making it especially beneficial for orchids that have stopped blooming. Over time, you will notice that even orchids that have never bloomed before will start to develop flower spikes.
Observing the Results
After using this method, you will begin to see positive changes in your orchids. Their leaves will become greener and stronger, their roots will grow more robustly, and, most importantly, they will start to produce new flower spikes.
This natural, easy-to-prepare fertilizer is an excellent way to keep your orchids healthy without relying on chemical products. Regular use of onion water as a foliar spray and root fertilizer will keep your orchids in optimal condition, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
If you found this method helpful, consider sharing it with fellow orchid enthusiasts. By using simple, natural solutions, you can successfully revive and maintain your orchids, ensuring they flourish for many seasons to come.
