Orchids will be growing again now that the weather is warming up, and there is a simple way to fertilise them to ensure they grow plenty of flowers. Amy, a gardening expert from Coconut Mama, has shared that the key to getting flowering orchids is making sure their soil has plenty of essential nutrients, which can be obtained from many common leftovers.
She said: “Everyday foods rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are excellent fertilizers for your orchid. Milk, eggshells, tea bags, rice water, and molasses can be diluted in water to dispense critical nutrients.
“For this homemade orchid fertiliser recipe, we used molasses. Molasses is high in potassium and micronutrients that help strengthen the orchid’s root system.”
Molasses, also called treacle in the UK, is a thick syrup mostly used for baking. It can easily be made into a homemade feed to help boost orchids.
It may seem strange, but the sugars in molasses can improve root health, making it easier for plants to absorb water. They will also give orchids an energy boost to help them begin flowering.
They also contain minerals such as magnesium, which is incredibly important for flower production as it helps plants reserve more energy, so you are more likely to get bigger and faster-growing flowers.
How to make a homemade feed for orchids
All you need to do is place 240ml of water and half a teaspoon of molasses into an empty spray bottle.
Give the bottle a good shake, and then use the diluted mixture to water your orchid at the base of the plant in the soil.
Make sure to dilute the molasses in water, as too much sugar can attract pests to houseplants. You only need a little bit to help your orchid grow.
Water your orchid with this simple fertiliser once a month. It should help the plant grow lots of flowers this spring. Do not feed it anymore, as you risk over-fertilising the plant, which can burn the roots.
Other common leftovers in your home, such as bananas, eggshells, or even rice water, can help boost your orchids. However, always make sure to use natural fertilisers sparingly and dilute them in water before use.
