Orchids can struggle as we head into September as the darker days reduce their energy levels while the cold weather can greatly stress the houseplant out. It can be difficult to keep orchids healthy as during this seasonal change, but it can actually be very simple to keep them flowering if you know the best way to feed them.
I have now begun to fertilise my orchids with the water leftover from boiling rice, which is filled with minerals that can give the plant a big boost so they keep flowering and growing. It might sound a little strange if you have never tried it, but after doing a little research I discovered that rice water contains magnesium, which plants need for photosynthesis.
Feeding orchids a little rice water once a month means it has enough magnesium to store more energy, which helps it grow bigger and longer-lasting flowers.
Rice water also contains vitamin B, which helps plants produce stronger roots, and also has amino acids which are essential for its overall growth.
Plants should usually be fertilised with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the most important nutrients plants need to grow properly.
However, plants tend to slow down in autumn, and fertilising them in September can cause too many nutrients and salt to build up in the soil, which can burn the orchid roots.
Rice water is a very gentle and low-strength feed so can be used at this time of year to improve an orchid’s root growth and flower production without stressing the plant out.
How to use rice water to give orchids a boost in autumn
It is really easy to make a rice water feed for orchids, and should only take about five minutes or less. All I do is save the water leftover from cooking rice, but sure you are only using rice with no added salts or seasonings, otherwise the water will harm your plant.
When the rice water has cooled down, I place it is a jar, screw on the lid and them keep it in a cupboard. Keep it away from a window or any cooking appliances as heat can dissolve the beneficial nutrients.
When I feed my orchid, I mix it with one part rice water and three parts fresh water from a tap. You need to dilute the water; otherwise, too much starch can build up in the soil and block air from reaching the plant.
Once I have my water prepared, I simply pour it on the soil around my orchid. I use the rice water solution once every four weeks, as you also need to water it normally once a week to flush out any starch in the oil
I always use rice water to feed my orchid in autumn because, in my experience, it makes a noticeable difference. The plant looks plumper, the leaves are much greener, and I have also definitely seen more flowers forming on the stem, so I highly recommend it
