With the arrival of winter, orchids often fade and stop blooming due to reduced sunlight and slower development. This season requires extra attention and care to keep orchids healthy and encourage growth. Today, I will share some effective ways to revive orchids during winter and accelerate their root and leaf development using natural fertilizers.
The Importance of Winter Orchid Care
Winter conditions can be challenging for orchids, as they receive less light and their growth slows down. To ensure their continued vitality, you must provide them with the right nutrients and an ideal environment. A natural fertilizer can help strengthen orchids, boost their immune system, and promote blooming even in colder months.
Method 1: Using Rice Water as Fertilizer
Rice water is an excellent natural fertilizer that provides essential vitamins to help orchids’ leaves and roots stay healthy and vibrant. Here’s how you can prepare and use rice water for your orchids:
- Take about one tablespoon of rice.
- Add enough water to cover the rice completely.
- Stir the mixture slightly and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Cover the container and allow it to rest.
- After 30 minutes, strain the rice water into a clean bowl.
- The prepared rice water is now ready to be used on orchids.
If you are cooking rice, you can also use the unsalted rice water left over from washing the rice. This method enriches the orchid with natural nutrients, promoting strong root and leaf growth.
Method 2: Using Eggshell Water
Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for orchid development. Calcium strengthens the plant’s structure and helps new leaves and roots grow efficiently. Follow these steps to prepare eggshell water:
- Take a few clean, dried eggshells.
- Crush the eggshells into small pieces or grind them into powder.
- Place the crushed eggshells in an empty glass bottle.
- Pour 300 ml of boiling water over the shells.
- Let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes to cool.
Once the eggshell water has cooled, you can combine it with the previously prepared rice water to create a powerful fertilizer. If you prefer, you can keep the two separate and use them individually.
Preparing and Storing the Fertilizer
- Mix the eggshell water and rice water thoroughly.
- Add additional tap water to fill the bottle completely.
- Close the lid and let the mixture ferment overnight for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, strain the fertilizer to remove any solid particles.
- Store the filtered liquid in a spray bottle for easy application.
Step 1: Spraying the Leaves
To make the orchid leaves vibrant and shiny, spray the prepared fertilizer directly onto the leaves, covering both the top and bottom. This process helps the plant absorb essential nutrients more efficiently.
- Lightly mist the upper roots as well.
- Use a cotton ball to remove excess water to prevent accumulation between the leaves, which can lead to fungal growth.
- Allow the orchid to rest for at least one hour before wiping the leaves clean with a dry cotton cloth.
Since orchids should not stay wet for extended periods in winter, drying the leaves thoroughly is essential to prevent any diseases.
Step 2: Nourishing the Roots
In addition to spraying the leaves, orchids also need root support during winter. To do this:
- Pour at least 8 tablespoons of the prepared fertilizer into each orchid pot once a month.
- This method provides necessary nutrients to the roots, boosting their strength and encouraging leaf development.
- You can use this fertilizer for all orchids in your home, as well as other indoor green plants.
Over time, you will notice significant improvements in the health of your orchids. Regular fertilization will help flowerless orchids bloom faster, even in the colder months.
Step 3: Cleaning the Leaves
If the leaves of your orchid appear dusty, you can clean them using this fertilizer once a week. Here’s how:
- Dip a cotton ball into the fertilizer.
- Gently wipe each leaf to remove dust and debris.
- This process not only makes the leaves shinier but also provides additional nutrients.
- If there is any yellowing or signs of disease, this method will help rejuvenate the plant.
Healthy, dust-free leaves allow orchids to absorb more light, which is crucial for growth, especially in winter.
Ensuring Proper Light Exposure
During the winter, orchids need plenty of light to thrive. To maximize light exposure:
- Place your orchids as close to a window as possible.
- If natural light is insufficient, consider using artificial grow lights.
- Keep the room temperature stable, as sudden temperature changes can cause buds to turn yellow and fall before blooming.
Final Results
After following these methods, your orchids will show noticeable improvements in growth and blooming. They will develop more leaves, stronger roots, and vibrant flowers. Regular care, along with the use of natural fertilizers like rice water and eggshell water, will ensure that your orchids remain healthy even in winter.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who love orchids. By giving your plants the proper care they need, you can enjoy beautiful, thriving orchids all year round!
