mixing fertilizer from dry powder

[Aurical]

My boyfriend and I have several aquariums, one of which is planted. To save money on fertilizers he decided to buy them in dry powder form rather than the pre-mixed liquid forms. He says that we should be able to mix up something to use on my orchids (I have two phals, both currently in bloom), but he's not sure what and how much of each different fertilizer should be used. Does anyone have any advice? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

PS - laymans terms would be great. I'm new to orchids and the only other plants I've ever really kept have been low maintainance easy care like cacti, succulents, an anthurium, and a coleus. I've never really used fertilizers because I was afraid of overdoing it and killing the plants. Now that I have two orchids and a bonsai I guess I'm going to have to start learning more about caring for plants than watering regularly and repotting occasionally. heh

[mayres]

Orchids use fertilizer in much more diluted form that most other plants, so it is usually advisable to start out with fertilizer specifically made up for orchids (IMHO). You can purchase it for just a few dollars at many big box stores and other garden centers. The easiest way is to make it up 1/4-1/3 the recommended rate on the container and then use it every time. I make mine up in a gallon milk jug and then have it ready to do - at room temperature. You also need to consider a way to flush out all the excess minerals from containers containing orchids at some frequency - say every other month or so - run lots of plain water through the media. mike

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Approxomately equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potasium. 1/4 to 1/2 strength of what other plants need, and always mix it in water to above strength, never apply dry. Don't think I would do this because a mistake could be really bad, as orchids are very picky about not having too much fertilizer salts in their mix.

[Aniko]

One more thing has to be considered.A plant food, in addition to the three main components nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium, contains small amounts of micro elements as magnesium, molybdenum, zinc, iron, copper, boron. In a long term perspective these elements are indispensable to good nutrition of plants, especially orchids, which are grown in non nutritive potting media.
Aniko.

[jerrymeola]

most fertilizers recommend a tablespoon per gallon for plants so 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per gallon is best for orchids