Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular and easy-to-grow orchid varieties. But a lot of people have trouble knowing what the best fertilizer for Phalaenopsis orchids is with so many choices out there. On this page, we’ll explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of different orchid fertilizers so you can find out which fertilizer will work best for your plants.
Best Fertilizer for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Best Fertilizer for Phalaenopsis Orchids
EarthPods Premium Orchid Plant Food – Easy Organic Fertilizer Spikes – 100 Capsules
EarthPods Premium Orchid Plant Food (Buy Online) is easy on your wallet and really effective at feeding your plants too. This plant food is 100% organic, non-GMO, and contains no animal products or by-products (no bone meal), and has been thoroughly tested for use with all types of epiphytic plants including Phalaenopsis Orchids. Plus, each container will last 4 years when used on a single plant if used as directed – just push a capsule into the soil near the stem every 2 weeks.
rePotme Orchid Food – Feed ME!
rePotme’s FEED ME! Orchid Fertilizer (Buy Online) is base on the famous Michigan State University orchid fertilizer formulation that has been proven effective by many orchid growers over decades of use.
This orchid Fertilizer makes it easy to give your orchids what they need without worrying about overdosing them on nutrients, and it doesn’t contain any urea which can cause unwanted side effects such as yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
And since this fertilizer is made specifically for use with RO water it won’t add any extra minerals to your mix like most other brands will do when used with tap water.
We recommend using this fertilizer with RO water for the best results, If you don’t already have a reverse osmosis filter you can get the small portable and affordable LiquaGen Portable RO System (Click Here To Buy Online)
J R Peters Jacks Classic 30-10-10 Orchid Special Fertilizer
Jacks Classic 30-10-10 Orchid Special Fertilizer (Buy Online) contains the perfect ratio of three macro nutrients needed by orchids (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). It also provides trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper that will help your plant grow healthy leaves and flowers. This fertilizer is designed specifically for Phalaenopsis orchids that require more nitrogen when they are putting on new leaves before they bloom. Plus, the increased amounts of P & K will set the stage for an explosion of blooms while also supporting strong robust root growth.
Grow More 5119 Orchid Food
Grow More Orchid Food (Buy Online) is a high nitrogen formula designed specifically for fast-growing Phalaenopsis orchids. Its low biuret urea formula helps prevent root rot and keeps your plants strong even when under stress from overwatering or dry conditions. Plus, the crystalline powder dissolves quickly in water so there are no clumps of fertilizer left in your mixing container after watering.
Orchid Food by Perfect Plants
Perfect Plants (Buy Online) makes fertilizing easy with their slow-release pellets that release nutrients over time so your plant can thrive without the risk of excess fertilizer harming it in any way. And since these pellets slowly dissolve they will last for up to 6 months before you need to fertilize your Phalaenopsis orchids again.
The Grow Co Orchid Plant Food (5 oz, 50+ Applications) – Bloom Booster Fertilizer Pellets for Orchids
Grow Co Orchid Plant Food (Buy Online) is a specialized fertilizer for Phalaenopsis orchids that helps prevent root damage and encourages growth and health in your plants. This formula provides all the macro-and micronutrients your orchid needs for optimal health, while also including calcium, sulfur, and magnesium—the secondary minerals that phals crave but can’t get from standard potting mixes. This formula is also completely urea free so it won’t burn roots like other urea-based orchid fertilizers can lead to with prolonged use.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Orchid Food, Plant Fertilizer, 8 oz.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Orchid Food (Buy Online) is an easy way for orchid lovers to give their plants all the nutrition that they need without any guesswork. This fertilizer dissolves easily in water so you can use it as often as your plant needs it, whether every 2 weeks during active growth periods or every 4 weeks during rest periods.
Best Fertilizer for Phalaenopsis Orchids – Liquid
Liquid Orchid Fertilizer – Feed ME!
Liquid Orchid Fertilizer – Feed ME! (Buy Online) is based on the Michigan State University orchid fertilizer formula that was designed for optimal growth and flower production in Phalaenopsis orchids, and it’s urea free so there is no chance of burning your plants like you would with other brands of orchid fertilizer that contain urea.
J R Peters Inc 50708 Jacks Classic Liquid Orchid Food, 8-Ounce
J R Peters Jacks Classic Liquid Orchid Food (Buy Online) provides all of the nutrients that an orchid needs in order to stay healthy and strong. Plus, this dilute fertilizer is perfect for phals since it won’t lead to overfeeding which can cause burning issues.
Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Mist
Miracle-Gro (Buy Online) has made a special formula that makes growing orchids easy. Just spray this miracle mist on your plants once per week, and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful flowers all year long. Plus, Miracle-Gro Plant Food Mist can also be used in conjunction with other orchid fertilizers for added nutrients in between feedings.
Dyna-Gro Orchid Pro Fertilizer
Dyna-Gro Orchid Pro Fertilizer (Buy Online) is a professional-grade fertilizer with everything your plant needs to thrive. Dyna-Gro is different from other brands because it contains all 16 essential elements for optimum plant growth in one easy-to-use solution. The best part? It’s completely urea-free. This means there’s no chance of burning your plants with harmful chemicals like urea which is found in many other brands.
Aquatic Arts Orchid Fertilizer
Aquatic Arts Orchid Fertilizer (Buy Online) is an all-natural, easy-to-use fertilizer that will help your orchid grow big and healthy. This all-natural formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive types of orchids so you never need to worry about harming your precious flowers again.
Orchid Fertilizer by E-Z-GRO
EZ-gro Orchid Fertilizer (Buy Online) is formulated specifically for Phalaenopsis Orchids. This proprietary blend delivers the perfect balance of nutrients that will give you strong roots and stems, healthy foliage, and colorful blooms. It’s also 100% urea-free.
Espoma Organic Orchid Bloom Booster
Espoma Organic Orchid Bloom Booster (Buy Online) is one of the best liquid fertilizers for Phalaenopsis orchids. It will increase your plant’s flower production and help keep it healthy by providing all the nutrients needed to produce an abundance of colorful blooms.
Schultz 150g Liquid Orchid Plant Food
Schultz Liquid Plant Food (Buy Online) promotes strong roots and healthy foliage while encouraging re-blooming. It contains all the essential macro-nutrients for orchid growth (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc that help prevent chlorosis. Plus this plant food uses a non-burning formula that only requires 7 drops per gallon of water which makes it easy to measure just the right amount of fertilizer needed.
What is The Best Fertilizer for Orchids
The best fertilizer for orchids is a fertilizer with a 13-3-15 NPK ratio and an 8:2 Calcium to Magnesium Ratio.
To maintain healthy and vibrant orchids, it is important to give them the nutrients they need. The best fertilizer for orchids can be determined by considering a few factors including NPK ratio, calcium-to-magnesium ratio, and whether urea is present in the fertilizer mix.
Michigan State University conducted research on a 13-3-15 NPK fertilizer with an 8:2 Calcium to Magnesium Ratio and they found that this type of formula will provide your orchids with all of the necessary nutrients they need as long as it doesn’t contain any urea that can lead to root rot and burnt roots.
If you are looking for more information about how to grow orchids click here
How To Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids are known for their beautiful flowers and their ability to grow in low-light conditions. They are one of the easiest types of orchids to care for, which is why they’re often recommended as beginner plants.
One way you can help your Phalaenopsis thrive is by fertilizing it with plant food that’s specifically made for orchids.
You can follow these tips on how to fertilize phalaenopsis orchids to keep them healthy and happy.
- Use a 13-3-15 NPK fertilizer that is urea free
- Use a half-strength solution to avoid burning your orchid’s roots
- Pour the fertilizer into the pot while avoiding hitting the leaves.
- Allow excess fertilizer to drain away
- Repeat the process every other week.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Troubleshooting
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow
There are 3 main reasons for yellow leaves on an orchid – too much light, wrong temperature, and disease.
First, make sure that your orchid is not getting too much light. Move it to a different room with less sunlight.
Second, check the temperature requirements of the plant labeled on its pot/labeling tags to ensure it has been kept at the correct temperature at all times.
Finally, there are many diseases that can cause yellowing leaves so if you suspect this is what may be causing the problem contact an experienced horticulturalist who will be more than happy to help diagnose any problems and advise on treatment plans accordingly.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off
A Phalaenopsis orchid will sporadically drop leaves because old leaves will naturally turn yellow and fall off. That being said, the plant should still have new leaves coming in to replace them which are green in color.
If you have an older plant where this is not happening, it could be because the potting soil does not have enough nutrients in it and you should give it a good dose of urea-free fertilizer.
If this continues to happen then you might need to repot your orchid into fresh orchid potting mix that has some slow-release fertilizer mixed into it.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Splitting
Phalaenopsis orchid leaves splitting often signifies a combination of issues, such as a lack of water, insufficient humidity, excessive sunlight exposure, and physical damage.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Drooping
Drooping leaves usually result from a lack of water. So first check to make sure the plant is getting enough water and/or use a liquid fertilizer every other week on a well-drained orchid potting mix.
It’s also possible that the orchid has root rot, which can happen if you overwater your plant. This can lead to a fungal infection that can damage your orchid’s roots to the point where they can no longer absorb water.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Turning Black
The most likely cause of orchid leaves turning black is black rot, which is caused by two distinct fungi, Pythium ultimum or Phytophthora cactorum. The upper leaf surfaces turn black with patches of the leaves becoming red-brownish in color with dark brown to black lesions spreading on the surface.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves Turning Purple
Why are my Phalaenopsis orchid leaves turning purple? This can be due to a phosphorus deficiency, which you would want to address by feeding the plant an appropriate fertilizer and ensuring that soil moisture is sufficient. Purple leaves could also signal root rot, so check growing media for any signs of decay / waterlogged/soft areas.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Not Blooming
A Phalaenopsis orchid not blooming can be a difficult problem to diagnose. There are many causes, some of which include applying the incorrect amount of water, lighting requirements (not enough or too much light), and nutrient requirements (lack of phosphorus.)
