How to make organic fertilizer for orchids?
In the topic on fertilization we clarified the importance of each nutrient and also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fertilizer.
There are many forms of organic fertilizers, there are many forms of organic dub simple to the most complex controlled fermentations. We will discuss some of them here.
It is worth remembering:
- Avoid placing the fertilizer directly in contact with the orchid's roots;
- Organic fertilizers speed up the decomposition of the substrate , so always try to place the fertilizer in the same place in the pot. Do not spread over the entire surface of the vessel.
- As time passes, organic fertilizers tend to reduce the aeration of the vase, so pay attention to the possible need to change the substrate.
Remember that compounds of organic origin can provide both micro and macronutrients, see below:
Typical chemical composition of various organic materials.
Source: Raij et al. (1996)
1 - Castor bean flour , Bone and Ash Flour
This is one of the most well-known organic mixtures by orchidophiles. The bone meal which is rich in calcium and phosphorus, the castor bean cake which is rich in nitrogen and the ash rich in potassium. They can be mixed in equal parts, but you can reach 3 parts of castor bean cake for each part of bone meal and ash, according to the objective of providing a greater or lesser amount of nitrogen for your orchid. (see functions of nitrogen in the topic "fertilization").
You can add a tablespoon to each large pot every 4 months.
Attention: do not use barbecue ash because it may contain salts and seasonings that fell while the meat was roasting.
2 - Manure syrup
Mix 1 liter of manure (preferably tanned) in 20 liters of water and let it rest for 15 days.
To use, use one liter of the syrup for every 10 liters of water. 136bad5cf58d_
The manure mixture is rich in nitrogen and amino acids.
The manure syrup brings several benefits due to the way in which the elements are available to be assimilated by the plant. It is practically the form of nutrient that the orchid finds in nature. It can be applied both on the leaves and on the substrate.
3 - Controlled fermentation fertilizers (Bokashi)
Bokashi is a type of organic fertilizer used for many centuries in the East. It is produced by mixing materials of plant and animal origin
The actual formula is a mystery, and currently many products claim to be Bocashi.
See an example that uses bocashi itself as a fermentation principle:
Materials:
clean clear plastic bag
5 liters soy bran
1 liter de rice bran
1 liter of rice husks
1 liter charred rice husk
100 grams of simple phosphate
10 grams of brown sugar
pure water (can be from rain)
1 teaspoon traditional bokashi (found at flower shops)
1 vial of fermented milk with lactobacilli (Yacult).
How to do:
- In one container mix all the solids well and another container all the liquids.
- Now mix solids with liquids;
- Place the mixture inside the plastic bag, squeeze to remove all the air and make a knot.
- Keep in a cool, dark place for 25 to 35 days (The fertilizer will be ready when it is no longer hot, a sign of the end of the fermentation process.)
- The fertilizer must have a fermented smell; if it smells bad (rotten) there was a failure in the process and the fertilizer must be discarded.
- Apply 1 time every 1 or 2 months at the end of the day.
See more in the menu"secrets"
Adapted from: How to Grow Advanced Orchids Guide