25.03.2024

Orchids, the trick to making them last forever: They have never been so lush and strong

By liliaturcin5

Orchids, fascinating houseplants

Until a few years ago, the  cultivation of orchids was  intended for few people, as the plants incurred considerable costs and, above all, required a greenhouse.

Strong and lush orchids

Over the years,  many species of orchids have been imported  , including from colder countries, which are therefore very suitable for growing in apartments without the need for special equipment. This and the hybrid species created by researchers have resulted in orchids becoming much more popular and less expensive. In fact, orchids are originally tropical plants from Asia and America and can reach heights of up to 60 cm.  Their care does not require daily attention, but that does not mean it is easy  . In fact, there are many fertilizers for orchids on the market that will help them perform at their best. For a more economical solution, you can opt for a homemade fertilizer. You only need one main ingredient: a small potato.

Make an economical and effective fertilizer

 To give your orchids the right vitality, all you need is a small potato (actually 20 grams) and a liter of water. But why a potato?

Potatoes as fertilizer

Perhaps few people know that potatoes are tubers with excellent properties even outside the kitchen. They are often used particularly in horticulture due to their excellent fertilizing properties. For example, potato peels can  be added to ordinary soil as a natural fertilizer. Potatoes contain potassium, which helps plants grow strong and lush, but most importantly it helps them during flowering. Even  halved potatoes  are often used to make cuttings of other plants such as roses or geraniums, acting as a real “incubator” for the development of the cutting’s roots. But now let’s see how this tuber, with its numerous properties, can help our orchids grow lushly.

How to make orchid fertilizer from a potato

To make your own  fertilizer for orchids,  all you have to do is cut 20 grams of potatoes into pieces, put them in the blender and add a liter of strictly lime-free water. Run the blender until you get a smooth mixture. Filter the liquid using a sieve to remove any residue and pour it  into a bottle using an atomizer.

Spray fertilizer

Now all you have to do is  spray the mixture  generously on the leaves and roots of your orchids twice a month to help the plant grow stronger and healthier. The best time for this procedure is morning or early afternoon. Of course, the remains of our homemade fertilizer can also be used for other plants, they will undoubtedly  benefit greatly from it.