subject: The Symptoms of Orchid Fertilizer Deficiency [print this page] The last item in the fertilizer formula is potash or potassium and is responsible for building strong roots. Most orchid fertilizer mixes usually have enough potassium and trace elements so that a potassium deficiency is seldom an issue. If, however, the flowers become paler with each successive year and there is a decrease in the number of buds it may be due to a lack of this element.
