feeding "wild" plants

[Joe]

I have a few misc. orchids living in trees in hanging baskets & on the tree bark its self. I would like to feed them. Since there is no medium as such, what ever I put on them just runs off.
Any ideas?

[mayres]

I believe orchids foliar feed as well. If you sprayed the entire plant with a dilute fertilizer it WILL absorb some of the nutrients. With additional water/rains any nutrients on the bark/baskets will also continue to dissolve and be absorbed over time.

[Orchidflowerchild]

Root velamen is really quite efficient at absorbing liquid.

-Cj

[kmarch]

I don't think it is necessary to feed wild orchids. They are well adapted to obtain what they need from their environment. Besides, the orchids in the tree are actually already being "fed." When it rains water is running of the leaves, down the branches and trunk, and over the orchid roots. As this water goes it collects various bits of organic material which feeds the orchid.

[jerrymeola]

Feeding the orchids will increase their rate of growth.

Orchids can survive with very little but respond better to nutrients.

Mix a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) at one teaspoon per gallon in a spray bottle and spray the entire plant. The velum on the roots will darken or turn green as it absorbs the liquid bringing the fertilizer into the plant with the water.

I prefer Worm Tea to chemical fertilizers but both work. It is worth the effort.

[Joe]

Thanks Everybody
Very usefull info!

Joe