Using bacteria, fungi and microfauna with orchids

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Mr.Fakename

Do orchids need vitamins and boosters? Probably not if we use a proper substrate and fertiliser.
But as estación seca mentioned, plants live in symbiosis with tons of bacteria, fungi, microscopic insects... If we can provide those and get happier and healthier plants, why not consider it? The key is finding the right ones, in the right amount, for our conditions and plants.
This is the thing I would like to find out, does it actually make a visible difference?

I think to some degree, vitamins are merely easy-to-digest nutrient sources (lots of carbon and nitrogen), but I can also say - via anecdotal evidence - that the application of supplements like KelpMax, which contains lots of vitamins, amino acids, and lots of other stuff, is noticeably beneficial.

(Re: Photosynthetic bacteria).

do you have more info about those bacteria and how it works?

Unfortunately, no. The technical director mentioned that they populate the vascular tissue, so once exposed to light and the plant’s juices, they convert stuff and secrete sugars.