Finally Kelpmax

[Ashleyma23]

I was finally able to get my hands on First Rays Kelp max and boy are my roots growing faster on plants with healthy roots or new root nubbins. Is this only a once in a month thing. Mine are planted in lava rock / Hydroton
This is defiantly my holy grail now.
I am in search of a new fertilizer is there anything in the range of seaweed types?

Thanks again.

[Ray]

I think you'd be better off with a good, complete formula like those from Greencare, the so-called "MSU" and K-Lite blends.

Seaweeds really aren't very good fertilizers. Sure, they contain some basic nutrient value - KelpMax does - but in order to get complete nutrition at effective levels (which really isn't much), other stuff must be added. Fish emulsion is often one of those additives, but most find the odor "significant."

Whether you prefer "natural" products or not, the nutrient ions absorbed by the plants are the same.

[Ashleyma23]

Originally Posted by Ray

I think you'd be better off with a good, complete formula like those from Greencare, the so-called "MSU" and K-Lite blends.

Seaweeds really aren't very good fertilizers. Sure, they contain some basic nutrient value - KelpMax does - but in order to get complete nutrition at effective levels (which really isn't much), other stuff must be added. Fish emulsion is often one of those additives, but most find the odor "significant."

Whether you prefer "natural" products or not, the nutrient ions absorbed by the plants are the same.

Ray,

Yes I do prefer something natural, is there any specific brands I could use?

The root growth is incredible with just the Kelpmax but I do want to incorporate a complete fertilizer.

Thanks again.

[estación seca]

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

[Ashleyma23]

Ahahah, I won't be doing that anytime soon as I'm vegan.
😆

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by Ashleyma23

Ahahah, I won't be doing that anytime soon as I'm vegan.
😆

Here are some ideas. Except for the one with bonemeal, most of these are pretty safe if you want your fertilizer to be vegan, too.

Some organic options that do not involve killing anything....

A pet rabbit. They create the perfect fertilizer. Their 'marbles' do not need to be composted before use.

Goldfish. They need about ten gallons each but they really create great fertilizer. I had to add Calcium and, I think, maybe either phosphorous or potassium. It has been a while since I had a pond. Probably other types of fish will work, too.

If you are okay with bonemeal, there is the Espoma line of fertilizers which I use for my other houseplants. I haven't tried the liquid types yet but the powdered types smell a bit. I am not sure if all of them contain the bonemeal, either. The hour is rather late so I kind of got tired.

Product Lines | Espoma

Cottonseed meal. This is good for plants that prefer a low pH. Many orchids fit into that category. You could always add some lime to up the pH.

Here is a website that may have some ideas, too.

ttps://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/organic-gardening/

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

OK now that is just sick.

Ashley fish fertilizer is the only thing I can think of for you. Neptune has one that is mixed with kelp but you already have that so you could just get regular fish fert and use them separate or together.

[LobsterOfJustice]

We alternate between these two fertilizers and all of our orchids are growing (cattleya, neofinetia, vanda, phal, chiloschista, tolumnia, den. phal., den. nobile, epidendrum).

We fertilize weakly weekly (1/4 strength every weekend) and about 1x/month, just plain water to flush out the pots.

https://www.amazon.com/PETERS-ORCHID.../dp/B001REFJEA

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bulb-8303.../dp/B004Z6JOXY

Also have KelpMax and I tend to use it for new orchids or newly re-potted orchids to help them adjust and grow in their new environment, it seems to work well.

If you come across a balanced fertilizer that is urea free, please let us know!

[rosebudforglory]

[QUOTE=LobsterOfJustice;818943]We alternate between these two fertilizers and all of our orchids are growing (cattleya, neofinetia, vanda, phal, chiloschista, tolumnia, den. phal., den. nobile, epidendrum). We fertilize weakly weekly (1/4 strength every weekend) and about 1x/month, just plain water to flush out the pots.
Robot Check

Robot Check
Also have KelpMax and I tend to use it for new orchids or newly re-potted orchids to help them adjust and grow in their new environment, it seems to work well. If you come across a balanced fertilizer that is urea free, please let us know.
=======

KelpMax is great, especially if used as directed on the label and I like using on a consistent 1x monthly basis. I also like the Quantum Total First Rays is now carrying — stinkiest stuff ever (use outside) but you know it’s gotta be good. Suppose to be same product as the orchid specified Quantum but a lot cheaper in larger bottle. 1) No Urea Fertilizers: GreenCare’s K-Lite complete fertilizer sold by First Rays too (12-1-1 with 10% calcium, 3% magnesium, making with iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum). It tells you on the bottle what makes up each ingredient. 2) the BetterGro fertilizer Regular and bloom (the Sunbulb you mentioned ) states it’s urea free and has trace minerals but no calcium. Orchids need lots of calcium.
JR Peters Inc. has numerous urea free fertilizers (NOT THE JACKS CLASSIC) and if you send them a sample of your tap water or well water (+$40) they will advise its contents etc and what fertilizers you need for your water and what you are growing and for what stage. Once on their website, look for lab services tab on the bar.

Note, personally I feel if you are staying with the same fertilizer all year long and for everything whether bare root, in bark, rock, or moss — you may have nutrient issues and your plants won’t be at their best. Maybe someone much, much, much more experienced like Ray from First Rays or others can jump in here and advise if I’m off target. Ray had a retail nursery for decades. I just know greenhouses I’ve been in (all kinds) or worked in are changing their nutrients during different stages of growth, media, and times of the year all the time. Thus I don’t think we can just pick one and use it 24/7, 365 days and expect top plants.
I also just noticed JR Peters has a line (also no urea) that can be customized for your water and type of plants for all stages and comes in a kit bucket to use as directed depending on stages of growth, bloom, fruiting, and all nutrients. Called Jacks Nutrient Kits - each ingredient comes in 2 kB packages, a lot better than having to buy 25 lb bags of each needed nutrient. Might be pricey if you have just a small collection but don’t know. The important thing to remember is plant fertilization is a matter of chemistry, science and a little math thrown in. It’s usually best left to those highly versed in such things or you can get yourself in trouble. They use to tell me I’d need those math, chemistry and science classes I hated so much and I didn’t believe it until I started trying to get serious about my orchids and other potted plants. It’s much different then when planting a plant in native soil outside — Mother Nature, rain,MSU shine, and good ole dirt will adjust for many things within reason. But when you have to provide every nutrient a plant needs, and not cause chemical issues — that’s a different ball game. Don’t stop learning all you can, but find a pro whose willing to help.

But also I think, for what it’s worth — you have to get your environment right first before you start changing fertilizers and adding this in or that. Nutrients are super important, but if your plants aren’t getting the correct light, humidity, temps, air circulation, air exchange, for the type along with proper watering and paying attention to your media — well you can spend hundreds on nutrients and still have dead or underperforming plants. And for those of us who grow in the home, it can be tough for us to meet their needs all year. I get mine doing well in the summer outside and then mid way through winter we begin a slow decline until summer rolls around again. Summers are my saving grace — plants can sorta thrive instead of just surviving. Best of luck.

[bethmarie]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

I rather like that idea. It sounds less tedious than measuring and mixing gallon after gallon after gallon.

The cost of air fresheners might be daunting.