Orchids are renowned for their stunning beauty and elegance, making them a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. However, achieving the ideal nutrient balance for orchids can be challenging. While there are many commercial orchid fertilizers available, they are often expensive and may contain chemicals that aren't suited for organic gardening. An alternative and sustainable solution for nourishing orchids is to use rice as a fertilizer.

Rice, a staple food for billions of people worldwide, can be a valuable resource in day-to-day orchid care. It is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—crucial for healthy orchid growth and lush blooms. Here’s how you can use rice as an effective and environmentally-friendly fertilizer for your orchids:
1. Rice Water Fertilizer
Ingredients:
- Raw rice grains
- Water
Instructions:
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of raw rice in a small bowl or jar.
- Add enough water to fully submerge the rice.
- Allow the rice to soak for 24–48 hours.
- Pour the rice water into another container and remove the rice grains.
- Dilute the filtered rice water with an equal amount of fresh water.
- Use this diluted rice water to water your orchids once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
2. Rice Husk Mulch
If you have access to rice husks, they make an excellent mulch for orchids (full details on part 2 of the article).
By using rice and its by-products, you provide orchids with natural nutrients and encourage a more resourceful, eco-friendly form of plant care.
Source: https://recepten.servi.tn/rijst-als-meststof-voor-orchideeen-een-duurzame-en-winstgevende-aanpak/