ADVERTISEMENT
Introduction:
Orchids, known for their delicate beauty and exotic charm, require specific care to thrive. While many turn to commercial fertilizers to boost growth, there's an eco-friendly and budget-conscious alternative that might surprise you—rice. Packed with nutrients and easy to find in any household, rice can serve as an excellent natural fertilizer for orchids. This method not only promotes healthy growth but also supports sustainable gardening practices.
Ingredients:
1 cup of uncooked white or brown rice
2–3 cups of clean, room-temperature water
A fine strainer or cheesecloth
A clean container or spray bottle
Instructions:
Rinse the Rice:
Place the rice in a bowl and rinse it gently with water to remove dust and impurities.
Soak the Rice:
Add 2–3 cups of fresh water to the rinsed rice. Let it soak for 30–60 minutes. This process allows nutrients like starch, vitamins, and minerals to leach into the water.
Strain the Mixture:
Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to separate the rice from the water. Set the rice water aside—this will be your natural fertilizer.
Application:
For potted orchids: Water the base of the plant with the rice water every 7–10 days.
For foliar feeding: Pour the rice water into a spray bottle and lightly mist the leaves.
Discard or Reuse Rice:
You can cook the soaked rice or compost it—nothing goes to waste!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Storage: Store any leftover rice water in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3–5 days to prevent fermentation.
Serving Size: Use approximately ½ cup of rice water per orchid during each feeding. Avoid overwatering, especially for orchids with bark-based potting media.
Variations:
ADVERTISEMENT
