Simple All-Natural Homemade Orchid Fertilizer

Orchids are beautiful houseplants that bring color and tropical vibes to any room. Take care of them well with this homemade orchid fertilizer!

This Homemade Orchid Fertilizer is….

Easy

Natural

Long-lasting

Chemical-free

Potassium-rich

Probably in your pantry right now!

Some background on orchid care

Orchids are delicate, sometimes fussy plants that need specific minerals to thrive. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are several important nutrients that strengthen an orchid’s roots and allow it to bloom more often. A regular fertilizer routine, along with being kept at a warmer temperature in bright, indirect light, will keep this gorgeous exotic plant happy for years to come.

Seriously – orchids can live up to 20 years!

You can find orchids on every continent except those covered in ice. They thrive in tropical areas, but can also survive in desert regions. People have been cultivating and commercially growing orchids since the 1800’s. Formerly a flower that had to be particularly sourced is now, in modern times, available at your local grocery store. 

At any shop that sells orchids, you will find their brand of orchid fertilizer. These store-bought bottles have the nutrients your plant will need, plus extra chemicals to preserve or incorporate the ingredients together. So if you’re looking to avoid the additional synthetic components, or want to save money, turn to your own pantry to find actual food to nourish your orchid!

Natural orchid fertilizers

Everyday foods that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are excellent fertilizers for your orchid. Milk, eggshells, tea bags, rice water, and molasses can be diluted in water to dispense critical nutrients. For this homemade orchid fertilizer recipe, we used molasses. Molasses is high in potassium and micronutrients that help strengthen the orchid’s root system.

One very popular fertilizer material that does not work for orchids is coffee grounds. Coffee grounds need other organic material (and worms!) to break down and release their nutrients into soil. Because orchid pots are mostly mulch that do not encourage decomposition, the grounds will be ineffective. Orchids also need airflow in their root system. Coffee grounds sprinkled directly into the plant pot can clog the roots when watered, which could lead to root rot. So, instead of putting grounds onto your plant, put them in your food scrap bin where they are amazing compost accelerators! 

Most importantly, when fertilizing, pay attention to how your plant is reacting. Yellow leaves and sagging stems mean your orchid is not getting enough nutrients. In contrast, black roots, white crusty build up, or dry leaf tips are signs of over-fertilizing.

A productive feeding regime should be in coordination with the orchid’s watering schedule, every 7-10 days. When using a homemade fertilizer, apply every time you water except 1x a month (3 out of 4 weeks). For the last watering session, flush the orchid’s roots with fresh water only to rid it of any build-up.

With this homemade orchid fertilizer, you can hope to see a healthy, happy orchid for a very long time. Good luck to you and your tropical beauty!

How to make homemade orchid fertilizer

Step One: Measure 1 cup water into an 8oz spray bottle.

Step Two: Mix ½ tsp molasses into the water, shake to combine.

Step Three: After watering your orchid, spritz the fertilizer on and around the root system and leaves. Store the fertilizer at room temperature up to six months.

*Note – Only fertilize 3 out of 4 weeks of each month. The last session should be used to flush the orchid’s roots with fresh water only to remove any potential buildup.*

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