Phal...how much water/fert

[Orchid478]

Hello all. I am a new orchid owner. I have a Phal. I bought some fertilizer the Better Gro Orchid Plus. The directions say to use 1 teas. per gallon of water. do I use a whole gallon of water to water my orchid with the fertilzer. I already used 1/2 gal and some of the soil still appears to be dry by looking at the outside of the plastic pot. I just don't want to over water, a gallon seems like alot. Thanks

[mayres]

The concept is to get the media your plant is potted in thoroughly soaked or to get it to absorb all the water it is going to absorb - the rest will run out the bottom. It will depend upon what type of media you have as to how much water this takes and/or how long this takes. Very absorbant media like coir or good sphag will absorb very quickly while some barks (especially if new) may require actually soaking for a spell to make certain the water is sufficiently absorbed. It is a good idea regardless to periodically flush lots of plain water through your potting media to wash out excess mineral buildup. The number of plants you can water with a gallon of water (with fertilizer) will depend upon the size of plant/pots - I make it up in a milk jug at work and water about 15-20 or so with a gallon of water. Many people water with a more dilute solution (maybe half to a fourth the recommeded concentration) every time versus remembering which time you did it last and fertilizing every third week or so. Lots of plans will work - everyone finds something that works for their situation. Good luck and enjoy!

[Hummer344]

I fertilyse about once a month right now but the days are getting longer and warmer here so will fert. more often. I water my plants first then give them a small shot of fert. solution. Not the whole gallon. Normally I will mix the fert. a little on the weak side. To much of a good thing is not a good thing. UMMMMMMM does that make sense? Oh well. Welcome, Happy growing and enjoy

[jerrymeola]

An easy way to water a small collection is to put the orchid in the gallon of fertilized water for 15-20 minutes. Then let it drain completely and put it back.

The concentration level of 1 teaspoon per gallon is correct for fertilizing once a month. You could reduce it to 1/2 or even 1/4 teaspoon and use the same water every watering. Which ever method is easier for your schedule.

[BunnytheOrchid]

I've heard from some growers you can fert. as often as every 2 weeks, but only if you dilute the fertilizer even more than the recommended amount. So If you dilute a quarter of a cup to a gallon, dilute an 1/8 of a cup to a gallon. So right now, I fertilize every 3 weeks, so I only pour a little of the diluted concoction on top of my orchids, soak them, and then pour fresh water over that so the fertilizer gets more evenly distributed and even more diluted, just in case I fertilize too frequently Welcome btw, and enjoy growing!

[PhalPal]

I like to water my orchids first and make sure the medium is good and wet, then put fertilizer on. If I do the reverse, (fertilize then water) the fertilizer will probably get washed away and the plant won't have enough time to absorb any of the nutrients.