Date: 28/12/2009

Fertilizer water of appropriate concentration will not usually injure the orchid roots. Fertilizer solution could be applied to dry roots without causing any harm.

Note: Fertizers could eventually accumulate in the medium and cause damage to the roots. Hence repotting is essential in most of the orchids

For vandaceous and other orchids attached to trees, cork, bark etc, it is good to fertilize weekly and to water daily to promote growth and flowering.

The velamen roots of Orchids whether in the air or in the medium will absorb water. Velamen in the roots consists of dead cells which could retain water after the root is wetted.

Photo: Hanging Vanda Roots

Ref: The Bulletin of the American orchid Society Dec 09 (691) Dr Yin-Tung Wang

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