Growing orchids requires to be smart and use quality products that can help you nurture the best looking and healthy flowers.
Besides a good orchid potting mix, you’ll also need a proper fertilizer for your plants to flourish. Unlike other plants, orchids are more sensitive and don’t need as much fertilizer i.e.they can be damaged if you apply too much.
Nevertheless, a high-quality fertilizer is essential in orchids’ upkeep and to help you choose the right one we prepared a detailed list with our suggestions.
There are multiple options sold online and we’ve summed up the 10 best fertilizer for orchids in our list and we’re certain you’ll find what you need.
Although it might sound complicated to grow orchids, it’s not. With the right product, water and light the orchids will be blooming in a few weeks.
Top Pick
RePotme’s orchid fertilizer is our top pick fertilizer for orchids. It doesn’t contain urea, has a great NPK balance of 13-3-15 and it’s easy to apply.
The amazing nutrient content provides great care for the flowers and helps them bloom and develop into beautiful plants.
Experienced gardeners approve of this product and are always amazed by the results it provides.
Budget Pick
For those with a tight budget, we suggest our budget pick – the Miracle-Gro water-soluble fertilizer. It comes in a convenient and affordable bottle of 8 ounces and it works well with different types of orchids and plants that need acidity.
This product creates an amazing environment in which your orchids can thrive effortlessly and you’ll be happy to use it since the results it provides are amazing.
Quick Navigation
What Type Of Orchid Fertilizers Should I Get?
It’s best to think of orchid fertilizers as vitamins for your flowers. They contain the necessary ingredients to maintain the orchids in good condition.
Plants use photosynthesis to create the needed food. One example of this is which is derived from oxygen.
This means that through the process of photosynthesis, the plant receives the necessary food but not the nutrients it needs to flourish – that’s why you need fertilizer.
Furthermore, the best fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which help with stem growth, healthy roots and strength.
When it comes to orchids, the most important thing to look for is nitrogen contents i.e. the maximum is 30 % – have in mind that more doesn’t mean better.
How to Fertilize the Orchids?
The manner of application depends on the type of fertilizer you’re going to use and the safest way is to always follow the instruction manual provided on the product.
Spray fertilizers are gentle and can be used on the entire plant except for the blooms while concentrated formulas are usually applied in the soil and root and can be either granulated or in a liquid form.
Some fertilizers come in the form of sticks and are usually slow-release formulas that are applied in the soil close to the roots.
How Often Should I Fertilize?
First thing first! When it comes to fertilizing orchids you must be careful not to overfeed them. Too much fertilizer can cause the orchid to get sick and wither and that’s why you have to follow a smart schedule for proper use.
Using a fertilizer that’s specially formulated for orchids helps because you have all the needed information on the product’s packaging, so just make sure you follow it.
Some fertilizers can be applied weekly, some over a few weeks and others require just a couple of days between applications.
Nevertheless, if it’s your first time applying orchid fertilizer start with a concentrated option that you can dilute since you can always dilute it more than prescribed to be on the safe side.
If you notice salt buildup in the container, you’ll know that you’ve used too much fertilizer. The salt can be harmful to the plant thus if this happens make sure you repot the orchid immediately.
When’s The Best Time to Fertilize?
The fertilizing time depends on the orchid and its blooming cycle. Some orchids flourish during the spring and summer months while others are winter bloomers. Some bloom even twice a year so you’ll have to adjust the fertilizing timing based on this.
During the growing period, you can add fertilizer weekly, three weeks in a row and then take one week off to allow the plant to prepare for sprouting. Make sure you don’t underwater the plants.
On the other hand, if you use a spray or stick fertilizer try to follow the package instructions in terms of the fertilizer application but stick to a schedule.
Once the orchid has bloomed, there’s a period of wilting and that’s when the plant enters the dormant phase.
When in this phase, the flower doesn’t require too much fertilizer so every other week will do to keep the plant strong until next season.
Try to water your plants in the morning since the leaves will have time to dry out in sunlight.
Last but not least, when the orchids are blooming they don’t require fertilizer because there’s no process of growth happening. This means you can add fertilizer once or twice a month.
Fertilizer for Orchids Review
1. RePotme Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Urea free
- User instructions included
- Fast shipping
- Special formula
- 13-3-15
This fertilizer formula by rePotme is suitable for different types of flowers such as orchids, succulents, cacti, African violets and others.
Thanks to its nutrient content, it provides great care for your flowers and makes them flourish and develop beautifully.
It has an NPK ratio of 13-3-15 and it also contains magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc and molybdenum. You can mix it in distilled water and use it to water your flowers based on their need.
Experienced gardeners and happy customers swear by this product and are amazed by the results it provides.
Plus, it’s the perfect product for those that don’t have experience in growing orchids – the fertilizer will do everything for you. As long as you apply according to instructions, your flowers will be thriving.
2. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Perfect for orchids
- Easy to use
- Promotes healthy growth
- 8 oz. bottle
- Indoor & outdoor plants
If you have orchids in your garden, you are aware that they require special care to flourish seamlessly. It’s a great product to help you grow various acid-loving plants and can help them develop a vivid leaf color, lovely blooms and strong roots throughout the year.
Furthermore, this fertilizer can be used with both outdoor and indoor plants and the application is really easy. All you need to do is dilute ¼ of a teaspoon in a gallon of water for indoor and 1 tbsp. in a gallon of water for outdoor plants.
Our suggestion is to apply the product in the morning while watering since this will give enough time for the plants to dry out. You only need to water the surface and allow the potting mix to take the water in.
When it comes to the watering frequency, ideally you can apply biweekly during active growth and 4 weeks in the dormant period.
3. Sun Bulb 16-ounce Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Bloom booster
- High phosphorus content
- Enhances color
- Filled with nutrients
- No urea
A good orchid fertilizer goes a long way when it comes to orchids’ upkeep. This professional formula by Sun Bulb comes in a 16-ounce container, it doesn’t contain urea and is packed with the right amount of nutrients to give your flowers the care they require.
Moreover, the high phosphorus content encourages flowering and improves the color and size of the blooms. This will turn your flowers into the best looking, vivid and strong plants on the block.
Newbie growers confirm that this product has helped them maintain and grow their repotted orchids and that they’re impressed with the results.
Our suggestion is to use the fertilizer during watering – for instance, every week to see great results. The fertilizer is easy to dilute and apply and you’ll enjoy seeing it do its magic.
4. PERFECT PLANTS Slow Release Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Slow-release pellets
- Filled with nutrients
- Easy to use
- 13-11-11
- Re-sealable bag
A well-fed orchid is a healthy orchid. To make this happen you need the help of professional fertilizers and Perfect Plant’s slow-release fertilizer is here to help.
Thanks to the slow-release formula the orchids will be fed in the next 6 months and you’ll have supplied for up to 3 years for one orchid plant.
The pellets are easy to apply and have to be added to the moss or mulch and see the magic happen in front of your eyes.
In terms of the content, the pellets are thickly coated and their dissolve rate depends on the conditions of the soil and the plant’s needs. This means, that the orchid will receive as much fertilizer as it needs when it needs.
It won’t take long until you see your plants grow pretty petals, gorgeous greens, sturdy stems and strong roots.
Finally, if you combine the product with enough sunshine and proper watering you’ll have a winning formula.
5. Orchid Fertilizer by Aquatic Arts
Highlighted Features
- Long-lasting
- Gentle formula
- 8 oz. bottle
- Ideal for orchids
- Easy to use
Nutrients are essential to keep your plants in the best condition possible and promote healthy growth. What’s more, fertilizers help in the prevention of brown spots that appear on leaves.
Additionally, this fertilizer comes in an 8-ounce bottle and can last you long – between 6 months to 1 year depending on how much you use. Ideally, you can dilute 1 teaspoon with 2 cups of water.
You needn’t worry about the fertilizer damaging the orchids since it’s a very gentle formula that won’t cause any burn damage.
The main nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that work together to help grow new leaves and stems, stimulate the root growth and help the orchid grow in a beautiful and healthy flower.
The leaves on your orchid will be more vibrant than ever and you’ll enjoy seeing this centerpiece in your living room or balcony.
6. Earthworm Technologies Earth Pods Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Easy to apply
- Organic formula
- Concentrated earth pods
- Eco-friendly
- Compact packaging
Earthworm’s earth pods fertilizer is ideal for epiphytic and terrestrial plants such as orchids, tillandsias, bromeliads, phalaenopsis, cymbidium and many other types that are considered to be rare.
These capsules can be used on indoor and outdoor plants whether they’re planted in containers or raised garden beds. The manufacturer suggests applying 1 to 2 pods for small plants, 2 to 4 pods for medium plants and 4 to 8 pods for large plants.
You’ll love the pods since they are really easy to use, don’t create any mess and can last up to 4 years if used with a single orchid.
You just need to insert 1 earth pod in the soil mix or spread the contents of the capsule. The manner of application depends on the type of orchid you’re growing thus, it’s best to consult with more detailed instructions.
This product is eco-friendly, safe to use around kids and pets, organic and comes in a compact bag that’s easy to store away when not in use.
7. SMEREKA Slow-Release Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Slow-release formula
- Easy application
- 14-12-12
- 3-years supply
- Re-sealable bag
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use solution, then SMEREKA’s orchid fertilizer is just what you need.
The fertilizer is in the form of slow-release granules that are easy to apply and can provide feeding up to 6 months.
Moreover, if you’re enthusiastic about growing beautiful orchids you can be certain that this fertilizer can help you. Also, if you have an orchid that’s not as healthy and started to wither, this product can bring it back to life in a matter of weeks.
According to users who experienced this problem, the product was great in reviving sickly orchids.
The fertilizer is sold in a heavy-duty, re-sealable bag so you can store it away for next time not worrying it will go bad.
Last but not least, thanks to the 14-12-12 NPK formula your orchids will improve their flowering, size and color in no time.
8. GS Plant Foods Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- 32 oz. package
- All-natural
- High-quality ingredients
- Super affordable
- Deodorized formula
This GS Plant Foods fertilizer can help you improve and boost your orchids very fast. This is a rather affordable option, sold in a 32-ounces packaging of liquid fertilizer that provides up to 32 gallons of product.
If you used different products and can’t get your orchids to bloom time after time, it’s probably smart to try this fertilizer. The roots will be healthier than ever, the leaves will become thick and green and the blooms will be a holiday for your eyes.
Also, this is a deodorized product and you won’t have to worry about strong smells around your household.
When it comes to the formula, this one is quite basic but improved over the years to become the best orchid fertilizer. It contains only natural ingredients such as liquid fish, kelp, plant rooting hormones and natural sugar – that work together to grow healthy and strong stems and roots.
9. Scott’s Miracle-GRO Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Instant feeding
- Great for orchids
- Easy to use
- Spray mist
- 2 packs
If you’re looking for something different and special for your orchids, you can try the mist spray fertilizer from Miracle-Gro.
This product is sold in 2 packs and a total of 8-ounces which is an affordable option. Moreover, the fertilizer can provide instant feeding with the right nutrients as well as enough moisture to help you grow vivid and colorful orchids.
It’s recommended to spray the product in addition to watering and apply it around the roots, leaves and soil ideally, once a week. You can feed all the indoor plants, but try to avoid the blooms when applying.
Satisfied users confirm that this is a wonderful product that made their orchids re-bloom season after season, so it’s a must-have for all orchid lovers.
10. Espoma Organic Orchid Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Filled with nutrients
- Ideal for orchids
- 8 oz. package
- Easy to apply
- Trusted brand
Customers who use this product are extremely happy with it. According to them, this is one of the best products they’ve ever purchased. They love it because it’s simple to use and it measures the exact amount you need.
The application is a breeze. Just shake the bottle, turn it upside down, open it and add the product in a bottle. Next, dilute it with water and then add it to your already watered flowers.
You can use it once a week when the orchids are not in bloom. It’s just a matter of weeks until you see your flowers blooming and looking gorgeous.
Espoma is a well-known manufacturer that produces various gardening products with top quality and this fertilizer isn’t an exception.
Just follow the directions and pay attention to what your plants need – you’ll never regret using this product.
Final Thoughts
Kudos if you’ve reached the conclusion of this article. This means you really care about your flowers, want to give them the best care and the information we shared can help you out.
It may seem overwhelming, however, with proper research, light, water and fertilizer you’re right on track to grow the perfect orchids.
We mentioned a few times throughout the article that one of the essential things is to always follow the instruction manuals on the products you use and to do research on the specific orchid you’re growing.
Have in mind that orchids don’t require a lot of fertilizer as other plants and it doesn’t take a lot to over-fertilize them.
If you’re undecided about which option to choose, go ahead and try our top pick – rePotme’s orchid fertilizer that doesn’t contain urea has a great NPK ratio and can help your orchids bloom in no time.
Or, for a more affordable variant, you can always go with the Miracle-Gro water-soluble fertilizer that’s sold in an affordable 8-ounce bottle and can be used with different types of orchids and flowers.
We hope that this article can help you purchase the best fertilizer for orchids. Take your time to pick the right packaging, type and brand; as soon as you do this you can start seeing the results within your garden.
Don’t forget, well-fed orchids are healthy orchids!