[Orchidity]

Hi,

Sorry for such a newbie question, but a couple of things have me puzzled, and I cannot seem to find an answer that I am comfortable with.

1. Most, if not all, fertilizers recommend one teaspoon per gallon of water. For orchid care, we are guided to dilute this, sometimes 1/2 or 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. Does this practice also apply to fertilizer specifically marketed for orchids (I use Grow More, of different combinations, almost exclusively, with the exception of occasional fish emulsion fertilizer)?

2. My watering technique has me carting each to the sink for a good hosing down for several seconds, being sure to get everything good and wet. I then let each plant drip-dry, then pour the liquid fertilizer onto the mix, and let that drain before taking the plant back to its resting spot. I haven't really subscribed to the practice of letting the plant soak for 15 minutes, as I have seen recommended in places. Is one better than the other? With this technique, does the plant receive sufficient feeding? If the answer to #1 is to dilute, will the fact that the potting mixture has absorbed a good bit of moisture already also contribute to dilution? It seems to me that almost as much fertilizer as poured on also drains out, so I wonder...

Thanks much in advance, and apologies to anyone who has answered this question previously.