fertilizer/feeding questions

[Orchidity]

Hi,

Sorry for such a newbie question, but a couple of things have me puzzled, and I cannot seem to find an answer that I am comfortable with.

1. Most, if not all, fertilizers recommend one teaspoon per gallon of water. For orchid care, we are guided to dilute this, sometimes 1/2 or 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. Does this practice also apply to fertilizer specifically marketed for orchids (I use Grow More, of different combinations, almost exclusively, with the exception of occasional fish emulsion fertilizer)?

2. My watering technique has me carting each to the sink for a good hosing down for several seconds, being sure to get everything good and wet. I then let each plant drip-dry, then pour the liquid fertilizer onto the mix, and let that drain before taking the plant back to its resting spot. I haven't really subscribed to the practice of letting the plant soak for 15 minutes, as I have seen recommended in places. Is one better than the other? With this technique, does the plant receive sufficient feeding? If the answer to #1 is to dilute, will the fact that the potting mixture has absorbed a good bit of moisture already also contribute to dilution? It seems to me that almost as much fertilizer as poured on also drains out, so I wonder...

Thanks much in advance, and apologies to anyone who has answered this question previously.

[mayres]

Whenever you talk fertilizer you will most likely get a zillion differnt suggestions (well......I guess that applies to a lot of questions.......most of us do things differently.....which is partly what makes sharing things interesting). If you have fertilizer specifically marketed for orchids you do NOT have to dilute if you use at the frequency noted on the container - depending upon the type of orchid this might be once every 2,3 or 4 weeks. Many of us find it easier to dilute as you have noted and then just use it every week - hence the short phrase water weakly weekly. No need to soak for purposes of fertilizing. Lots of ideas and ways to do this as well. My guess is that most people will apply fertilizer after watering - in the same manner. There is a really good paph grower in my area who swears by foliar feeding only for paphs - so again, lots of different ways to accomplish the same thing.
Enjoy!

[Hummer344]

Hi,
You don't want to over fert. your orchids. In april I will start with Grow Moore Grow every 2-3 weeks or when ever I feel like(which ever comes first). Then starting in mid june I will change to 20-20-20 & use that the rest of the season. I use Grow more according to directions on the label. If you decrease the amount of fert it allows you to fert. more often. some people subscribe to the "Water Weekly, Weakly" course of action. Others will tell you they don't use any fert at all. Its going to be your call. Opinions are a dime a dz.

As far as soaking your orchids in a bucket of water. I am of the opinon that soaking each plant in the same water COULD cause cross contamination of a virus or other diseases. I quit doing it a long time ago. I just water them down as you are doing now then put in a little fert let them drain & I am done.

Good Luck

[E-Jag]

Insofar as soaking is concerned, I soak each of my orchids for at least 45 minutes or an hour whenever it's time. Since they're healthy, aside from the occasional bug, I've never had a problem with cross-contamination. I personally believe soaking is the best way to water but to each his own. There really is no right or wrong. When I fertilize, every week or two, I just add worm tea or a little 20-20-20 to the water and switch plants in and out every hour or so. Soaking is also a good way to make sure you don't have any unwanted bugs - you drown them.

______________
E-Jag

[petra1101]

Hello Everybody

[made4engineering]

Hi Petra, welcome to the forum! We most likely can answer any of your questions, and if you want to introduce yourself to everyone you can start a new thread.

And about the fertilizer... I think I accidentally burnt some of my orchids' root tips from too much... The directions were to feed at 1 tsp/gal at every watering... but... my orchids are mounted so I water them pretty much everyday, which is not what the fert bag intended! Beside that, I think you should err on the side of less, because plenty of hobbyists do not fertilize their orchids at all. I didnt for the first 6 months without any adverse effects. I only started because I began to feel guilty.