Status of mineral nutrition of orchid - A review

Orchids are similar to the other non-orchidaceous plants in their requirements for minerals, except that they generally take a longer time to show mineral deficiency. Analysis of tissues shows that the mineral content of orchids is in the same range as those reported for nonorchidaceous plants. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are the three major elements that have received greater attention in the studies involving the use of inorganic fertilizer application. The effectiveness of application of one element depends on the presence of other elements. There is evidence to indicate that a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers gives better orchid growth. The rate of mineral uptake by orchid roots Is relatively low when compared to the other crop plants.