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Revitalize Your Orchids with Eggshell Fertilizer: A Natural Recipe for Autumn Blooming
As autumn arrives, it is the perfect time to help your orchids produce new flower branches and bloom beautifully. During this season, orchids naturally start to develop flower spikes, and providing them with the right nutrients ensures they remain healthy and vibrant. One of the best ways to nourish your orchids is through homemade liquid plant fertilizer, made using eggshells. In this guide, I will show you how to prepare and apply this natural fertilizer to support your orchids’ growth and flowering.
Why Use Eggshells for Orchids?
Eggshells are rich in calcium, which plays a crucial role in strengthening plant cell walls and supporting overall plant health. Calcium helps in preventing diseases, promoting root development, and ensuring that orchids produce strong flower branches. Additionally, eggshell fertilizer provides other essential minerals that boost the plant’s resistance against pests and environmental stress.
Step 1: Preparing the Eggshell Fertilizer
To prepare this effective liquid fertilizer, follow these steps:
- Collect the Eggshells
- Take two eggs and break them open. Separate the egg whites and yolks, as we will only be using the shells. It is important to avoid using egg whites and yolks because they can cause fungal growth and attract pests.
- Cleaning the Eggshells
- Rinse the eggshells thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining egg residue. Inside the shell, you will notice a gel-like membrane—ensure this is completely washed away.
- Drying the Eggshells
- To prepare the shells for grinding, they need to be completely dry. You can either leave them in the sun for a few hours or place them in an oven at low heat for 10-15 minutes. If the shells crumble easily when pressed, they are sufficiently dried.
- Grinding the Eggshells
- Once dried, place the eggshells in a food processor or mortar and pestle and crush them into small pieces. You can grind them into a fine powder if preferred, but small pieces also work well as they dissolve in water over time.
- Boiling the Eggshells
- In a pot, add the crushed eggshells to about 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Boiling helps release calcium and other nutrients into the water more efficiently. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool down completely. If you are not in a hurry, leaving it to sit overnight will enhance nutrient extraction.
- Filtering the Fertilizer
- After the mixture has cooled, strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles. The remaining liquid is now ready to be used as a powerful natural fertilizer.
Step 2: Applying the Fertilizer
There are two primary methods to apply this eggshell fertilizer to your orchids:
Method 1: Foliar Application
Foliar feeding allows the plant to absorb nutrients directly through its leaves, making it an effective way to strengthen weak orchids or revive sick leaves.
- Pour some of the filtered fertilizer into a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the leaves of your orchid, ensuring both the top and bottom sides are covered.
- If your orchid has diseased or discolored leaves, calcium from the eggshells will aid in healing and recovery.
- Apply this method once a week for best results.
- After spraying, place the orchid in a well-lit area near a window to support photosynthesis and improve nutrient absorption.
Method 2: Soil Fertilization
This method provides essential nutrients to the roots, helping the orchid grow new, strong roots and flower spikes.
- Pour 5 tablespoons (approximately 70 ml) of the eggshell fertilizer directly into the orchid pot.
- Ensure you do not overwater the orchid—this fertilizer should be given every 20 days to prevent excessive moisture in the soil.
- If your orchid is growing in a water culture (without soil), you can add 8 tablespoons of this fertilizer to the water and let the roots absorb the nutrients overnight. The next day, replace the water with fresh clean water.
Step 3: Additional Leaf Care with Eggshell Water
Apart from fertilization, you can also use eggshell water to clean the leaves of your orchid. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on leaves, reducing their ability to absorb light efficiently. Here’s how to clean them:
- Dip a cotton ball into the eggshell water.
- Gently wipe each leaf, both on top and underneath, to remove dust and potential pests.
- This process not only keeps the leaves clean but also provides additional calcium support.
- If the leaves of your orchid are turning yellow or brown, it could be due to excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Moving the orchid to a spot with indirect sunlight can help restore its natural green color.
Results and Benefits of Using Eggshell Fertilizer
Regular use of this homemade eggshell fertilizer provides several benefits for your orchids:
- Encourages strong and healthy root growth
- Speeds up the development of flower spikes
- Enhances leaf health and prevents diseases
- Boosts the orchid’s resistance to environmental stress
- Promotes abundant flowering
Currently, my orchids are thriving thanks to this simple yet effective fertilization technique. A healthy orchid will always produce new leaves, strong roots, and multiple flower spikes. By incorporating this method into your regular plant care routine, you can ensure your orchids bloom vibrantly throughout the season.
Would you like more natural fertilizer recipes? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your orchid-growing experiences! Happy gardening!
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