Nutrient management in orchids: A review

Orchids are one of the most important flower crops in the world market due to its wide variability and good vase life. Orchids are similar to other non orchidaceous plants in their requirements for nutrients except that they generally take a longer time to exhibit nutrient deficiency. The rate of mineral uptake by orchid roots is lower when compared to other crop plants. NPK level of 1:6:1 favors the vegetative growth and 2:6:1 favors reproductive growth in orchid cultivar Sonia-17. 100 mg/l K is recommended for optimum vegetative and reproductive development of Dendrobium c.v Red Emperor ‘Prince’. The total N content in orchids varies from 0.11–0.28%, P content (0.11–0.28%), K content (0.57–0.42%), Ca content (2.1–3.66%), Mg content (1.1–3.0%) and tropical Sulphur content varied from 1–2.3%. Organic spray of 1% Vermiwash at 4 days interval also produces good quality flowers. Spray solution the concentration of 180:135:90 NPK is suitable for the growth and development of Mokara c.v Diehard Red and Dendrobium c.v Red Bull.