The Homemade Fertilizer That Makes My Mother's Orchids Bloom After 6 Years

My mother loves orchids. I’ve already offered you some of them and one thing that always amazed me was the fact that they bloom EVERY year.

When I go to her house I look at the orchids I gave her, they look artificial! When I ask her why orchids have so many flowers, she always tells me “because I take care of them with love, because you were the one who gave them to me!”.

In addition to not doubting that this is true, I know her little secret, which helps keep the oequidea strong and blooming every year (in addition to the love she gives it!).

The secret is… In the milk!

This orchid is 6 years old!

Getting orchids to bloom consistently can be a challenge.

One surprising but effective method to encourage blooming is using milk.

This natural approach leverages the nutrients found in milk to nourish orchids, promoting healthier growth and more vibrant flowers. Here’s how you can use milk to help your orchids bloom.

Milk is a rich source of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamins, and proteins, which can benefit orchid growth in several ways:

  • Calcium: Strengthens the plant’s cell walls, promoting robust growth and preventing common issues like rot.
  • Proteins: Help in building plant tissues and improving overall health.
  • Vitamins: Support various physiological functions within the plant, enhancing growth and bloom potential.

These nutrients can be absorbed by orchids when milk is applied correctly, contributing to their overall health and flowering capacity.

The Homemade Fertilizer That Makes My Mother's Orchids Bloom After 6 Years

Using milk on orchids is straightforward, but it’s essential to dilute it properly to avoid any potential negative effects. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Milk (whole or skim)
  • Water
  • A spray bottle or watering can

Dilute the Milk: Mix one part milk with four parts water. This dilution ensures that the milk is not too concentrated, which could lead to mold growth or other issues.

Foliar Spray: Pour the diluted milk solution into a spray bottle. Lightly mist the orchid leaves, ensuring an even coating. Be cautious not to over-saturate the leaves to prevent fungal growth.

Soil Drench: Alternatively, you can pour the diluted milk solution directly onto the orchid’s growing medium. This method allows the roots to absorb the nutrients directly. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Frequency: Apply the milk solution every two to four weeks. Regular application provides a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

  • Use Fresh Milk: Always use fresh milk to avoid introducing any spoilage bacteria to your orchids.
  • Supplement with Regular Care: Milk should complement, not replace, your regular orchid care routine. Ensure your orchids receive appropriate light, humidity, and temperature conditions for optimal growth.
  • Monitor for Pests and Mold: While milk can promote healthy growth, it can also attract pests or encourage mold if overused. Keep an eye on your orchids and adjust the application frequency if you notice any issues.

Using milk as a natural fertilizer for orchids can be an effective way to enhance their blooming potential. By providing essential nutrients in a gentle, organic form, milk helps support the overall health and vitality of your orchids.

Always remember… Lots of milk and lots of love will result in MANY FLOWERS!

Hope this helps!

PS: I’m going to tell my mother that I revealed her secret!

The Homemade Fertilizer That Makes My Mother's Orchids Bloom Every Year

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10 Comments

  1. Help, I bought my first orchid and all of the roots are in a tight ball in a plastic pot. How do I repot it? Can I use potting soil for cacti and do I bury the roots or just sit it on top of the soil

    1. Hi Norma,

      Congrats on your first orchid! For repotting, use a special orchid mix like bark, not cactus soil. Gently remove the orchid from the pot, loosen the roots a bit, and then place it in the new pot with the mix. The roots should be nestled in the mix, not buried too deep. Good luck! 😊

      1. I usually remove from pot, gently untangle roots, remove dead, brown roots. Put a little orchid medium in the middle of the pot and gently spread roots around it. Then bury roots by adding more orchid medium. Soak the medium by placing newly potted orchid in a pan of clean water for about 10 minutes, then remove and let drain well. Water and fertilize as usual in about a week.

        1. That’s a fantastic method, Nancy! The root work and the perfect use of orchid medium is spot on. Your orchids must love it! I’m sure they’re thriving with all that attention! 🌸😊

    2. Use bark. Take the plant out of the pot and remove any dirt around the roots. Plant it in an orchid pot in the bark.
      Every week just soak it in water for 10 min. After 10 min. I just hold it to the side to drain.

      1. Hi Annette!
        That’s a great method! Using bark and soaking the orchid weekly for 10 minutes is a simple and effective way to keep it healthy. Draining it well after soaking helps prevent overwatering, too. Your orchids must love the care! 🌸

  2. :can I take a VERY LG orchid that I am reporting and divide more than one. The roots are way over flowing this pot

    1. Hi Jean!
      Yes, you can definitely divide a large orchid if the roots are overflowing! When repotting, gently separate the plant into sections, making sure each division has healthy roots and at least one growth point. Just be careful not to damage the roots too much. After dividing, pot each section into its own orchid pot with fresh orchid bark. 🌸

    1. Hi Connie!
      If an orchid leaf is broken, it’s best to trim the damaged part to prevent further stress or infection. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut just below the break. If the leaf is torn near the base, leave it alone unless it starts to turn yellow or rot. Keep an eye on it, and your orchid should be just fine! 🌱🌸

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