Fertilizing Orchids with Garlic Water: Recipe and Watering Guidelines

Garlic contains a huge amount of beneficial substances and vitamins. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties, helping orchids fight diseases. Watering orchids with garlic water provides effective nutrition and disease prevention. When repotting, it helps plants adapt quickly and stimulates rapid growth. It also helps fight pests and provides nutrients.

Indications for use

An orchid needs feeding if:

1. Does not bloom.
2. Poor growth of leaves and roots.
3. The leaves turn yellow and wither.
4. Signs of fungal infection are visible.
5. Small, unpleasant insect pests have appeared in the pot.

Garlic is the best disinfectant that can help both people and plants. A single clove contains a storehouse of beneficial acids, mineral salts, and antioxidants. It nourishes the plant with beneficial substances, helping it get rid of all kinds of diseases, strengthen the flower and disinfect the soil.

Garlic has pronounced antiviral and antibacterial properties. The essential oils and phytoncides it produces repel many pests. Therefore, after watering an orchid with garlic infusion, may not be afraid of pests or diseases.

Do not use the infusion during flowering, or more than twice a month, if the infusion has fermented or has not been changed for more than three days. Never exceed the recommended dosage, as the high garlic content can burn the plant. Never water an orchid with garlic alone; this method is only suitable for rehabilitating a weak plant. Therefore, caution and care should be taken when applying the infusion.

How to prepare and use garlic infusion for watering orchids

To prepare garlic infusion you will need:

• 170 grams of garlic;
• 1 liter of filtered or distilled water;
• 2-liter container with screw cap.

Method of preparation:

1. Peel the cloves and crush them in a garlic press.
2. Pour 1 liter of water (30-40 °C) into the jar.
3. Place chopped garlic in a jar and close the lid tightly.

The product can be used in several ways: foliar and root methods.

1. Foliar method: spray the roots and stems of the plant (not the flowers!) with the solution. It is best to use a spray bottle for this.
2. Root method: immerse the potted orchid in the prepared infusion. Leave the flower in this solution for 40 minutes to 3 hours.

Garlic watering of orchids occurs as the soil dries out. However, you shouldn't water the plant solely with garlic infusion; it also needs regular, clean water. Don't overuse this solution! If you water the plant more than 2-3 times a month, you may soon notice the plant starting to die. This is because too much garlic burns the orchid's root system.

Contraindications and errors

Despite all the beneficial properties of this infusion, it can be harmful if used incorrectly. The following actions are contraindicated:

• spray the flower stalks and buds with the infusion;
• use only garlic water for watering, without alternating it with clean water;
• water the orchid with garlic solution more than 3 times a month;
• treat the orchid during the dormant period and the flowering phase;
• use the fermented infusion.

You need to follow these rules and it will be of exceptional benefit to the orchid!

Many inexperienced gardeners make numerous mistakes when using this solution, which can have a detrimental effect on the plant's health. Besides using garlic, it's important to remember proper, consistent care.

Insufficient or excessive lighting, abnormal temperatures, dry or humid air—all these factors must be taken into account, and you shouldn't try to "cure" the plant with garlic water alone. Don't forget about proper soil care, as orchids don't tolerate poor soil. Orchids are very demanding plants, but they are very beautiful, and they certainly require special care.

Reviews from flower growers

Those who use garlic water for their orchids often experience positive changes. Here are some reviews of the benefits of garlic water:

Valentina, 42 years old

I decided to try the spraying method, but they looked wilted—they weren't producing any new leaves or roots, and I couldn't even dream of blooming. I watered them four times and then stopped. My orchids didn't look any worse, but there was no progress either. Two months later, I noticed the bushes perked up, started growing, and even produced flower stalks. So I stocked up on garlic for the rest of my beauties, too. By the way, I can reassure you, there's no offensive odor as expected; it completely dissipates within just a couple of hours. Now I use this recipe regularly as a dressing.

Irina, 34 years old

I didn't expect garlic to be beneficial for orchids, too. It's truly a universal remedy for both people and orchids. I've known about its healing properties for a long time, but I didn't know about the benefits for plants. The orchids truly burst with life and became "happy" on the fifth day after watering. I'm very happy. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and better than most store-bought remedies I've tried.

Tatyana, 36 years old

I bought a small orchid on sale, but it was feeling a bit ill. After 3-4 days, I decided to water it with garlic water, thinking it wouldn't do any harm. I placed it in the infusion for about 30 minutes, let it dry, and then put it back. Three days later, I noticed how hydrated it was, the leaves became firm, and the roots started growing! I was very pleased with the watering and will definitely try it again! I recommend it to everyone.

Ksenia, 20 years old

I read about the properties of garlic water online, and it really surprised me. I hadn't heard of it before, but I decided to give it a try. This water isn't difficult to make, but it really helps with nearly lifeless plants. I noticed results after just 4-5 days of watering! My flowers became firmer, and it was immediately obvious that the garlic solution, in the right proportions, helped them. And the garlic aroma dissipates quickly, so there's no need to worry about it.

Garlic water is beneficial for orchids and has virtually no side effects. When used correctly, it's truly beneficial! It can be comparable to store-bought fertilizers, but is much less expensive because it's homemade. Regular fertilizing will protect your orchid from pests and diseases, making it stronger and more resilient.