Fertilizing with Seaweed Extract

[Miki]

Any thoughts
Is seaweed extract similar to worm tea?

[Vivienne]

I'd like to hear what others think about this as well. We have a member of our OS that swears by Seaweed Extract and has some lovely plants for show and tell.

[Fabolusus]

I use a fish/seaweed based fertilizer in my terrariums and as a monthly additive to my other orchids. It contains a good mix of micronutrients and I think some organic fertilizers have nutrients that are more bioavailable than the inorganic. The downside is that it stinks, so you have to make sure none of it sits in your saucers or humidity trays...

[PhalPal]

I use seaweed extract for all my phals and cyms. I alternate with worm tea for my fertilizing regime, as well as misting with worm tea occasionally. I don't find that it leaves any scent or residue at all. I've had a really good root and leaf growing season and I haven't lost a plant in quite a while. I'm not sure if my success is due to my coir mix, worm tea, or seaweed extract, all of which are changes made within the last year.
What I AM sure of is that I'm not changing a thing! Why mess with my best season yet?

[11Orchid126]

Fish emulsion has an odor, as it's an animal product. Liquid seaweed, being a vegetable product, does not. I believe the fish emulsion is too caustic for orchid roots. I use the seaweed once a month on a year round basis. I find the plants love it and respond well to it. I add the seaweed to the fertilizer that I pour into the media. I spray the worm tea, and may add a bit of mollasses to it.

[Sharyn]

Originally Posted by 11Orchid126

I spray the worm tea, and may add a bit of mollasses to it.

May I ask: What is benefit or purpose of adding mollasses? I've heard of folks using it, but never knew why.

[gore42]

When using seaweed extract for fertilizer, PLEASE be careful with plants that have low salt level intolerance (like most phrags). Different brands are different, but many seaweed fertilizers produce a very high TDS reading when mixed; I don't know how much of this is residual sea salt, but regardless, the levels are too high for many plants.

I understand that some are better than others, though. I don't have any data offhand, but I'll look it up if anyone really is curious about TDS levels.

- Matthew Gore

[pikevi]

In addition to high levels of salt ,I believe, seaweed also has Iodine, Calcium, proteins and starch(fibre).

I am sure it may be good for plants but then orchids are a little finicky , aren't they?

Since PhalPal has been using it successfully, I guess it should be alright.

[11Orchid126]

Adding molasses to the worm tea is supposed to add a little "food" for the micronutrients.

[Fabolusus]

The stuff I've been using has the fish emulsion. I've been using it at 1/4 teaspoon per gallon, once a month for the last 6 months. Honestly I haven't noticed any difference, positive or negative. I think I'll discontinue using it on my orchids, just to be safe. I'll save it for my tomatoes next spring

[Anton]

Sharyn, besides, it tastes good, probably why the plants like it too.

[PhalPal]

The stuff I use is pure seaweed extract and is a little pricey at $20 a quart. However, I only need 1/2 tsp for gallon so it will last a while. Jerry knows a little about it also; I will try to find the thread from when I first asked about it on this forum.

[gore42]

PhalPal,

Do you have a TDS meter? I'd be interested in hearing what kind of levels you're getting with 1/2 tsp per gallon, and what brand name it carries

- Matt

[jerrymeola]

Seaweed is beneficial for orchids because it is one of the best sources of micro-nutrients. All minerals eventually wash to the sea and seaweed absorbs most of them.

I know several people who use it as part of a total fertilization routine. I know one person who feeds it to his worm bed.

The problem is cost and it can not be a total solution by itself

[pikevi]

gore42: I am just curious as to how TDS ( I assume it is total dissolved solids) will affect the orchids. Can you please explain that for us?

Would quantity matter more than the quality?

Thanks.

[PhalPal]

I have a pH meter, but I've always been curious about TDS and will someday get one if I can find an effective one at a reasonable cost.

I use 'Growmore Seaweed Extract' liquified Organic Kelp. It's not near as expensive as I remembered it to be; the price tag says I paid $7 for a quart. I have very hard water and I water my orchids straight from the tap or hose. I haven't had a problem but can only speak for cyms and phals.