Stop using beer: The hidden mistake that could kill your orchids

Orchids are found in many Polish homes. A certain mistake in fertilising them results in the disappearance of flowering and spoiling of shoots. Not every homemade fertiliser suits our orchids, and this one brings the opposite of the intended effect.

Caring for an orchid may seem complicated, but following a few basic rules allows you to enjoy its beauty for longer. With the proper practices, orchids can decorate our homes for many years.

How do you deal with the situation when an orchid suddenly starts wilting and no buds appear on its stems, indicating flowering? It is very likely that this is due to a popular homemade fertiliser.

Orchids are plants that grow on tree bark in their natural environment. Therefore, it is important to provide them with the appropriate substrate at home. A common mistake is using regular potting soil. This type of substrate retains too much water, leading to root rot.

It is worth investing in a special orchid substrate, which is light and permeable. A good choice can be a mix of tree bark, coconut fibre, perlite, and charcoal. Ensuring proper air circulation and humidity is crucial for the health of orchids.

On various internet forums, we can find the "golden advice" to occasionally water orchids with a fertiliser made from beer diluted with water. Unfortunately, the effects of such a procedure can be dire.

It is hard not to notice that beer contains quite a bit of alcohol, which will not be appreciated by delicate and sensitive plants. Watering with beer can, at best, dry out their shoots, and at worst, permanently damage them".

Experts from the portal mentioned emphasise that beer fertiliser can dry out stems, which in turn will prevent our plants from blooming. Although beer contains nutrients such as yeast, hops, and barley malt, orchids do not favour this type of fertiliser.