When to Feed Moth Orchids?

Chemical Fertilizers

• Moth orchids respond favorably to a variety of chemical fertilizers. For basic fertilization, select a balanced, water soluble plant fertilizer with an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formula. Opt for a specially formulated orchid fertilizer to provide your moth orchids with more targeted nutrition, if desired. Orchid fertilizer is available in both liquid and granular formulas.

Organic Fertilizers

• Many home gardeners prefer to feed their moth orchids using organic fertilization methods. Organic fertilizers are efficient, easy to use and readily available. Moth orchids respond particularly well to applications of alfalfa meal, blood meal and bone meal fertilizers, which utilize micro-bacteria to make the nutrients in the soil easier for your orchids to absorb. Other popular organic fertilizers include nitrogen-rich aged manure, compost, peat, seaweed and fish emulsion.

Fertilize Weekly March Through August

• Moth orchids perform best when fed with weekly applications of fertilizer from March through August, when the orchids are in their active growth phase. Following a regular fertilization schedule for your orchid helps to promote robust plant growth and prolific blooming. Regardless of whether you're using a chemical or organic fertilizer, consult the application instructions on the product label to avoid over-fertilization; too much fertilizer can burn or kill your plant's delicate roots.

Fertilize Once in Mid-November

• Give your moth orchids a final boost of nutrients in mid-November to help them set their buds for the next growing season. Feed the orchids with an application of a high-phosphorus or "bloom booster" fertilizer, mixed and applied according to package directions. Providing your moth orchids with an application of high-phosphorous fertilizer in the fall will results in blooms that are larger, healthier and even more beautiful.