fertilizing with Nettle water

[jernej]

Hi all!

Did anybody used Nettle (Urtica) or Comfrey (Symphytum) water to fertilize and prevent from leaf and root deseases? I know it is good for "normal" plants but never used it for orchids - althought it sounds like it may be very beneficial.....

Citing: "Nettle is highly recommended for plant that is stressed due to harsh weather and transplant. It stimulates the plant growth as well as an insecticide and great fertilizer."

"Use comfrey as a spray to combat any feuillage diseases togather with other herbs and as an insecticide with soft soap on my roses. As they are diluted herbal tea, there is no threat of burning the feuillage. Comfray has deep roots that accumulates potassium from subsoil. It's leaves are high in nitrogen and breaks down very quickly that makes it an almost instant fertilizer."

obtained from: (append www in front of each link!)
.helpfulgardener.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2977 and .the-organic-gardener.com/Comfrey.html

[BillC]

I have not heard of either of these treatments used in connection with orchids but your information suggests that it might be worth investigating. Perhaps one of the senior members might throw some light on the idea. Bill

[Maddy]

I've heard of using comfrey on roses, but never heard of nettle water. That would be interesting to hear more about.

[jerrymeola]

Nettle water and similar products attempt to take the natural immunization and growth hormones of plants and transfer the features to the new plant.

The concept works, although, I do not have any first hand experience with Nettle water. I doubt that commercial products will cause any harm, but the degree of success will vary.

I am more familar with Worm Tea and like the results.
You can read more in the thread
Worm Tea for better orchids

[cym 1972]

hi i use comfrey leaves i put them in a 25 litre plastic drum has tap on bottom i fill up drum with comfrey leaves also i add 2 and a half litres worm tea from my worm farm.i then let it sit for 6 to 8 weeks so the leaves break down.i then use 1 litre to 10 litres of rain water cymbidium orchids are growing well look nice and healthy.

[evagentry]

I have read about comfrey being good for plants so i use it in compost and as a mulch as it grows abundantly in my garden, nettle is good for aphids , horse tail is also very good for plants altho I havent used them on orchids, if you are careful why not!

[cupcake]

My grandma used to make the most wicked nettle beer!