Orchids, especially the Phalaenopsis (commonly known as the butterfly orchid), are among the most popular and beautiful indoor plants. With minimal care, they can bloom for long periods and add a touch of elegance to your home. However, if you want to stimulate healthy flowering or encourage your orchid to rebloom, there are some natural methods you can try. Based on expert advice from Romain Le Tallec, a florist in Lyon, here are the best ways to make your orchids bloom.
The Power of Banana Peel to Make Your Orchids Bloom
Banana peels are a fantastic, natural fertilizer for orchids. They contain essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, all of which promote healthy growth and flowering.
- How to Use: Wash a banana peel, cut it into small pieces, and soak it in 2 liters of water for 48 hours. Strain the mixture and use the resulting liquid to water your orchids. This banana fertilizer provides a gentle boost to your plant’s health and blooming potential.
Eggshells for Stronger Orchids
Eggshells are another natural fertilizer that orchids love. Packed with calcium and potassium, they support strong roots and vibrant flowers.
- How to Use: Crush eggshells finely and sprinkle them around the bark of your orchid. The soil will absorb the nutrients, helping to improve blooming.
Using Ashes to Promote Orchid Flowering
If you enjoy a cozy fire, don’t throw out your fireplace ashes! Ashes are full of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, essential for healthy orchid growth.
- How to Use: Add the ashes to the orchid’s soil after watering. This will not only help promote flowering but also keep pests at bay. Note: Ashes lack nitrogen and phosphorus, so you may need to complement them with other fertilizers. Wear gloves when handling ashes, as they can be caustic.
Banana Tea: A Clever Orchid Boost
Another clever way to use banana peels is by making banana tea, which can be poured directly onto your orchid to help it thrive.
- How to Make: Cut a banana peel into small pieces and dry them in the sun for 48 hours. Once dried, blend the peel into a fine powder. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder, dissolve it in 200 ml of hot water, stir, and let it cool before using it to water your orchid.
Banana Powder for Long-Term Orchid Health
For a longer-lasting solution, banana powder is a great fertilizer. After drying banana peels in the sun, place them in the oven at 70°C until fully dry. Once cooled, crush them into powder and use this to fertilize your orchid.
- How to Use: Sprinkle the dried banana powder into the soil to encourage stronger roots and faster blooming.
Vegetable Cooking Water as an Orchid Fertilizer
Next time you cook vegetables, save the cooking water—it’s full of nutrients that are beneficial for orchids.
- How to Use: After cooking, let the water cool and use it to water your orchids. Avoid using saltwater, as it can harm the plants.
When to Use These Natural Fertilizers
Use these natural fertilizers sparingly to avoid harming your orchid. During the winter months, fertilize only once a month. As your orchid starts to develop new buds, you can increase the frequency of fertilizing to encourage faster blooming.
Why Your Orchid Might Not Be Flowering
If your orchid is growing healthy leaves but not producing flowers, it may be due to suboptimal conditions. Orchids need plenty of light—but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Also, ensure your orchid is placed in a warm, humid environment. Drafts and dry air can inhibit flowering.
By following these natural tricks and providing the right care, you can ensure your orchids bloom beautifully and thrive for years to come.
