Of Worm tea, fertilizers, and methods

[bkim]

I'm looking into getting some worm tea for my orchid. Does this negate the need for fertilizer?

Also what is the best way to fertilize? I spray liberally every morning on my mounted orchid. Can I fertilize the same way? Dunking would be a challenge for this orchid.

[BunnytheOrchid]

Hi bkim,

I'm not very familiar with worm tea, so I'm sorry I can't provide any info on it. But I'm curious what you mean by dunking. Does that mean you put the orchid in a small container of water and soak it for 10-15 mins? If so is it difficult to soak because the orchid is so large? I'm not sure the species of orchid you're concerned about, but if soaking the orchid is not possible and you spray it every morning, perhaps you could dilute some fertilizer into the water and spray the roots?

[arleneg]

What size is your mounted orchid? If it can fit into a bucket, I suggest soaking/dunking it. Otherwise, you can spray your mounted 'chid with a worm tea or fertilizer solution.

If you plan on using worm tea, it's also a good foliage fertilizer.

There are members who use worm tea and fertilizer.

[Vivienne]

I use worm tea for misting of the foliage. I use fertilizer on the media/roots. For my mounts I use the same sprayer that I water with.

[NancyH]

Hi Guys,
I have been reading allot about this "worm tea". Where do you buy it and under what name? Thanks, Nancy

[Rocinante]

I've been using worm tea for a month now on both my orchids and my bonsai. It is an excellent product! You can see the difference it makes in just a few days. You must give it a try. I mist with it lightly almost daily and I also water with it. It is not a substitute for fertilizer, though.

[arleneg]

NancyH,

Many members use Our Vital Earth's worm tea (Our Vital Earth ~ All Natural Worm Castings & Worm Tea). I'm a distributor of worm tea (same as OVE's ). Jerry Meola also sells OVE worm tea.

Keep in mind that OVE and Jerry ships from east coast. I ship from the west coast. Since you're in Calif., shipping will be inexpensive (compared to shipping from east coast) if you purchase from me.

PM me if you're interested.

[Fransle]

Originally Posted by bkim

I'm looking into getting some worm tea for my orchid. Does this negate the need for fertilizer?

Also what is the best way to fertilize? I spray liberally every morning on my mounted orchid. Can I fertilize the same way? Dunking would be a challenge for this orchid.

what is worm tea? can you explain it?
(english problem)

[NancyG]

Hi Fransle,

This is from OVE's website: WORM TEA is collected by the spraying of the worm pits. The worm urine as well as the other nutrients are combined and recycled. The end result is a liquid plant and soil enhancer that can be diluted to a 1 part Worm Tea to 50 parts Water. (1-50 ratio). This can be used as a fertilizer as well as insecticide. Again----all is Natural.

I use worm tea to mist all my orchids. It really seems to help keep them healthy. I have just supplemented all of them with some slow release fertillizer. It is really good for root growth too.

Nancy G

[NancyH]

Hi Arlene,
Gone for a few days. Anyway, I would like to purcase some "Worm Tea".
I will see if I can link to your web site after I post this. You are right, I am in Central California so that would make sense for me, plus I would raher support a fellow member of this site. Thanks
Nancy