Fertilizer Change During Flower Spike & Blooms
Throughought the year I have kept a consistent artificial light, watering, and fertilizer routine for my Phaleonopsis orchids. I use MSU pellets from RePotMe NPK 13, 3, 15, and each week I also use a diluted solution of liquid Miracle Grow NPK 24, 8, 16. I occasionally flush residue with only water. This year I had tremendous root and leaf growth Spring through Fall. I believe the high nitrogen from the ferts helped with intense leaf and root development. The MSU also contains 8% calcium (I don't know if more is better for Phals), but I think calcium is essential for Phals (the Miracle Grow has no calcium). I also cut the spikes right after the last flower dried in Spring to conserve energy.
I certainly noticed stagnated growth if I skipped a feeding so I tried to feed every week.
My orchids are currently spiking (spikes are about 4" at present.) In addition to my current feeding routine, I'm considering incorporating a mid-week micro dose of Miracle Grow Bloom Booster NPK 10, 52, 10 and Orchid Focus Bloom GT by top spraying onto surface roots (I don't want too much moisture in the pot hence spraying instead of applying with a water can.)
Does anyone have experience microdosing Phals? Should I add more calcium to feedings? Does anyone have experience with using a higher concentration of Phosphorous during spikes and budding? Comments re Orchid Focus Bloom Gt, other ferts, and any thoughts concerning fert routines would be appreciated.
Last edited by Bloomer001; 11-19-2023 at 08:54 AM..
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