Growing indoor epiphytes is becoming increasingly popular among amateur gardeners. Fertilizing plants of this group has its own distinctive features, so specialized fertilizers are needed for orchids. One of the noteworthy options is offered by the Bona Forte brand. This material will tell you which fertilizers from this company are suitable for feeding orchids and how to use them.
Bona forte for orchids: application, reviews, processing. Kon from different series can be easily distinguished by the color of the cap. In the “Beauty” series it is red, and in the “Health” series it is purple. They can be used both at the root and on the leaf.
Program for orchids from the Bona Forte brand: types of fertilizer
“Bona Forte” is a very popular brand among flower growers, introduced to the market by the Russian enterprise “Rusinkhim”. The same company owns another well-proven product line - “Good Power”. Both brands are produced in-house, located in the Moscow region, and are regularly certified.
For orchid lovers, Rusinkhim agrochemists have developed three fertilizer formulas, which together make up a complete program:
| The product's name | Release form | Purpose | average price |
| “Bona Forte for orchids” of the “Health” series | Liquid concentrate in 285 ml bottles | Increasing resistance to adverse external factors | 150 rubles |
| “Bona Forte for orchids” of the “Beauty” series | Liquid concentrate in 285 ml bottles | Stimulation of growth and flowering, nutritional support | 150 rubles |
| "Tonic for orchids" | Solution for treating leaves in 500 ml bottles with a spray bottle | Maintaining leaf health, stimulating growth and flowering | 180 rubles |
The manufacturer recommends alternating these compositions, as well as methods of applying fertilizers.
Indications for use
Designed to stimulate growth and balanced nutrition of indoor orchid varieties, maintaining a decorative appearance.
Provides lush and long-lasting flowering, the formation of strong buds, increasing immunity to infectious diseases and plant resistance to adverse environmental factors.
Fertilizing with a complex composition simultaneously helps to increase the resistance of domestic flowers to pest damage.
Bona Forte is suitable for root watering and foliar foliar spraying.
Fertilizer for orchids "Bona Forte" series "Health"
“Bona Forte for orchids” from the “Health” series is an organomineral fertilizer with a full range of main nutrients. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in it is composed in such a way that the balance is shifted towards potassium. The NPK ratio is 4:2.5:7.
Potassium is precisely the element on which the stability and immunity of plants largely depends. Orchids sufficiently provided with this mineral do not react so sharply to lack of light or drafts, retain water in their tissues better, and are practically not susceptible to infectious diseases.
In addition to the NPK complex, the “Health” series fertilizer contains important microelements:
- in the usual form - boron, calcium and magnesium;
- in chelated form - iron, zinc, manganese, cobalt, copper.
The use of chelation technology distinguishes Bona Forte for orchids from conventional salt mineral fertilizers. Mineral molecules bound to an organic agent are recognized by plants as “self” and easily penetrate cells. Unlike salts, they are absorbed practically without residue and do not affect the acidity of the substrate.
Another organic component of this complex is humic acids. There are 0.5% of them here.
Chemical composition and mechanism of action
The full range of nutrients collected in Bona Forte has proven itself to be excellent. Experts and beginners in agriculture speak of it as a universal remedy.
In addition to containing vitamins and microelements important for development, there are also soil bacteria. With their help, the soil is maintained for high fertility.
It's all about the mechanism of action:
- After entering the soil, beneficial components must be processed by bacteria. But if they are not available, since the soil mixture has not been updated for a long time, then it is not possible to process them and deliver them in the best possible way to the roots. Without soil organisms, the absorption process occurs by 5-10%.
- Fertilizing works better if there are earthworms and other creatures in the open ground that can improve the condition of the earth and deliver oxygen to the roots. But this option is not suitable for house plants. Therefore, drainage is made from sand, crumbs, and sawdust. Bona Forte provides humus, drains, and promotes moisture retention.
- the composition includes essential substances and vitamins that promote not only the growth or development of plants, but also protect them from pathogens, including fungal spores and viruses. These are acids: ascorbic and succinic. Of the vitamins, PP and B 1 take on such a function. They also improve the immune system of the culture, which helps resist the disease.
We smoothly move on to the chemical composition of the complex drug. It contains both organic and inorganic substances:
OrganicsInorganic substances
| From 1 to 10% | 99-90 % |
| Humic salts (sodium, potassium, others) | Soil air: indole, skatole, etc. |
| Humified particles: • fulvic acids; • humus; •humic acids. | Soil solutions: • cations of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium; • anions (phosphates, nitrates, chlorides, carbonates, sulfates) |
| Non-humified particles. These include remains of plant and animal origin. And also dead, dilapidated | Macro and microelements: • aluminosilicates and iron; • oxides of iron, aluminum, potassium, calcium, sodium; • boron, magnesium, manganese. |
Important! Bona Forte is a chelate. Due to this, the mineral composition is better absorbed by plants and tolerated by humans. In their pure form, minerals and substances can poison both crops and living organisms.
Liquid products
Packaging with liquid Bona Forte is sold in different volumes. The minimum displacement is 0.285. The most popular is 0.5 l. The product is hermetically packaged. The substance must be diluted as it is highly concentrated. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If the dosage does not match, liquid products cause severe harm. Feedings of this type are suitable for domestic and ornamental plants, for improving the well-being of seedlings, and for processing seed material.
Granular Powder
The volume of powder in granules is also different. The 5 kg package is popular.
This is interesting: Where and how orchids grow in the wild - the flower’s habitat
Considering that storage is much easier than other fertilizer mixtures, then 5 kg is enough for a long time. Any method of application is suitable for use: root feeding, spraying.
It is recommended to use for plants and crops grown in open and closed ground. The duration of action of the granules allows you to limit the number of applications. The result is not affected by temperature and humidity.
Fertilizer for orchids "Bona Forte" series "Beauty"
“Bona Forte for orchids” from the “Beauty” series is also an organomineral complex. The proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in it is the same as in the previous composition (4: 2.5: 7). The difference is that the formula of this fertilizer includes other auxiliary elements:
- minerals in simple and chelated form - iron, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, magnesium;
- vitamins C, PP and B1;
- succinic acid. Analysis of the compositions shows that both concentrated complexes “Bona Forte for orchids” could be placed in both the “Beauty” and “Health” series. This division is very arbitrary, and in practice, flower growers often use only one of the fertilizers offered by Rusinkhim
In fact, this complex is an expanded version of the previous one, which has a stimulating effect. For example, vitamins can improve the duration and quality of orchid flowering, slow down the aging of plants, and increase the chlorophyll content in leaves and roots. Succinic acid stimulates root growth and normalizes cellular respiration.
Tip #1. Bona Forte fertilizer for orchids from the Beauty series is useful not only for improving the decorative condition of plants. It is also suitable for nutritional support during resuscitation. If a sick orchid has retained its roots and is only experiencing a deficiency of nutrients, the fertilizer solution can be given to it both at the root and at the leaf. When roots are lost, the plant is sprayed from time to time with this fertilizer on the leaves.
Tonic for orchids “Bona Forte”
The cost of tonic for orchids in retail stores can reach up to 200 rubles.
Such expenses are justified if at the same time you buy a complex from the “Health” series, which itself is not fortified and contains succinic acid. Tonic “Bona Forte for orchids” is a completely ready-to-use solution in the form of a spray. Its formula is an organic “tail” from the fertilizer formula from the “Beauty” series. Thus, the tonic contains the following components:
- vitamins C, PP and B1;
- succinic acid.
This drug is used to stimulate flowering and root formation in orchids by spraying. However, it is necessary to take into account its composition when combining with other complexes from this line. With the “Health” series complex, its joint use is appropriate and justified. But not with fertilizer from the “Beauty” series, since it already contains tonic components.
Important! No overdose of succinic acid or vitamins was observed with the simultaneous use of tonic and nutrition from the “Beauty” series. Bona complex for orchids, there is no need to spend extra money on tonic.
Storage
To ensure that the nutrients contained in the fertilizer do not lose their activity, the bottle must be stored in a cool, dark place.
The optimal shelf life is indicated on the packaging, but even after its expiration, the concentrate does not lose its properties.
Feeding orchids with special fertilizer “Bona Forte” gives excellent results: abundant flowering lasts up to 6-8 months, plants are resistant to diseases and pests, and have a beautiful appearance. Flowers do not suffer from improper maintenance conditions, and the natural aging process slows down.
Rules for the preparation of working solutions and their use
Con requires preliminary dilution before use. For this you need clean, non-chlorinated water. You can take bottled drinking water or boil and settle tap water.
Depending on how the feeding will be done, working solutions are prepared in the following dilutions:
- for root feeding - dilute 5 ml of fertilizer per 1.5 liters of water;
- for leaf feeding - dilute 5 ml of fertilizer per 3 liters of water.
Kon from different series are prepared in the same way. Root feeding is carried out on a damp substrate, after watering the plants. Foliar - on clean, slightly moistened leaves.
If orchids are grown without a substrate, fertilizing can be done by immersing the roots for 10 minutes in the Bona Forte for orchids working solution. Another option that is suitable for growing on blocks is to generously spray the root beard.
Experienced gardeners recommend adhering to the following feeding frequency:
The official instructions for fertilizers recommend measuring the concentrate with a cap. The cap itself is not measured, so it is very easy to make a mistake and overdose the fertilizer. It is much more convenient to draw the required amount with a syringe without a needle.
- during growing season and flowering in spring and summer - 1 time per week;
- during growing season and flowering in autumn and winter - once a month;
- in the resting phase - once every 2 months or leave the plant without feeding.
It is better to fertilize orchids in the morning so that the leaves and substrate dry out during the day. But if it is too hot during the day, it is better to refrain from the procedure. The air temperature should be moderately warm. The same applies to spraying with Bona Forte tonic.
Precautionary measures
The manufacturer confirms the safety of Bona Forte for all indoor plants. The instructions for the drug, however, draw attention to the fact that the concentrate belongs to the 4th hazard class of chemicals, therefore, when using it, you should adhere to the safety rules:
- use rubber gloves when processing plants;
- After the procedure, you must wash your hands thoroughly;
- store the drug out of the reach of minors;
- Avoid contact of the product with skin and mucous membranes.
If Bona Forte gets into your eyes or skin, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the contaminated area with plenty of water. If ingested, induce vomiting, drink plenty of liquid, and consult a doctor with the drug package.
Plan for complex feeding of orchids with fertilizers from the “Bona Forte” line
When organizing comprehensive feeding of orchids, you can rely on the following plan:
| Orchid growing season | Fertilizer and scheme |
| Coming out of dormancy, beginning of growth of leaves and peduncles | Con for 2 months, alternating root and foliar feeding. |
| Active flowering | Kon at the root for 2-3 months. Tonic sheet once every 2 weeks. |
| Flowering without drying out the peduncle | Kon to stimulate the awakening of new flower buds. |
| Formation of children | Con under the root and along the leaf. Tonic sheet once every 3-4 weeks. |
| Fading with drying of the peduncle, preparation for retirement | Con under the root once a month. |
There is no consensus among experts regarding feeding “dormant” orchids. Some believe that their number should simply be reduced, while others advise dispensing with fertilizers altogether during this period. In any case, it is not necessary to feed a “sleeping” orchid more than once every 2 months, and it is better to use the composition without stimulating components - from the “Health” series.
Reviews from flower growers about Bona Forte fertilizers for orchids
The most popular phalaenopsis orchids among the people may not have a dormant period.
This species stops flowering only when there is insufficient light. If you organize additional illumination with phytolamps and continue feeding, phalaenopsis can bloom without a rest break. The “Bona Forte” line is well known to lovers of indoor orchids. Reviews about these fertilizers are mostly positive:
“I really liked the mixture with the red cap! The difference is noticeable immediately. Orchids bloom so that you can’t take your eyes off them - they produce several arrows, and each one has 10-12 large flowers. The rest period became much shorter, no more than 2 months. The leaves are bright, lively, and grow well” (Alina, Irkutsk).
“A year ago, after a vacation, we had to reanimate 3 Cattleyas. When the roots sprouted, I began to spray with Bona Forte vitamin tonic. We started to grow. Now I continue to periodically spray all the leaves and free roots. The condition is good, the effect is felt” (Yulia, Tver).
Plant care
Orchids need not only timely and correct fertilizing, but also proper care. It consists of watering, preventive treatments, and replanting.
Watering
Watering is a must before using Bona Forte fertilizer. For this purpose, most gardeners use a container filled with purified water at room temperature. Remove the plant after the root system is well saturated with moisture.
Attention! If you resort to using fertilizers without prior watering, you can significantly harm the flower.
If watering was not carried out before fertilizing, the plants receive severe burns, as a result of which the root system dies.
Top dressing
Fertilizer for indoor orchids Forte, the instructions for use of which contain all the necessary recommendations, are diluted in the proportions indicated above. The flower is kept in the solution for no longer than 20 minutes, after which it is removed and allowed to dry thoroughly. Correctly applied feeding has a positive effect on the growth and development of the orchid.
Watering is a mandatory procedure before fertilizing
Peduncles form a larger number of inflorescences, the flowering period is extended, the plant’s immunity is strengthened due to the presence of vitamins B, C and P. Photosynthesis processes occur fully, which prevents premature aging.
Expert advice on using humic fertilizers for orchids
There is one subtle point in using the Bona Forte complex from the Health series. The humic acids it contains do not always benefit orchids.
“In my orchidarium, I use humic fertilizers only for suspended specimens with free roots. I do not recommend using humates for watering potted orchids, especially when grown in bark. The substrate degrades very quickly.”
A. Davydovskaya, owner of the greenhouse
Indeed, humic substances contribute to the rapid decomposition of organic matter. While this is very good for soil plants, it is the opposite for epiphytes. Therefore, if orchids are grown in organic pots, it is better to choose a simple mineral or chelated complex without humates for root feeding. “Bona Forte” from the “Beauty” series, which does not contain humic acids, is also suitable.
