Osmocote anyone?

[orchidsarefun]

I used osmocote on my orchids that I placed outdoors in 2012. My catts, oncids, zygos, bc all subsequently flowered.
However I researched and found that the problem with osmocote is that all nutrients are released at once - above a certain temp, I think its 70f.
This year I am using dynamite as its a confirmed slow release. I will also supplement say every 2-3 weeks with a liquid fertiliser.

[jeremyinsf]

I mean like MSU fertilizers or things formulated especially for orchids.

Mixing doesn't stress me out though :-)

I also want more control over my fertilizing each time, so for ME, there are better choices for MY orchids.

[james mickelso]

My bonsai was in a 1/8 inch size akadama cinder type sand. My orchids are in medium to coarse bark/sponge rock/ charcoal mix. When I watered my bonsai I ran water over the whole pot until water ran freely through the soil. I use a 5 gal bucket with RO water with fertilizer at 1/2 strength in which I dunk my orchids once or twice. The pelletized fertilizer would wash away quickly and even that which stayed would not release much fertilizer from my experience with it.

[WhiteRabbit]

I started using it for Cyms as I was mostly watering them with the hose, so they seldom got fertilizer. Started putting in the bigger Catt and Laelia pots as they can be slower to dry than most of my other orchids, and so also weren't often getting fertilizer.

I think nutricote is sold mostly for commercial growers, but I have gotten one pound bags off ebay, and at local OS show. I think I have 13-13-13 ? Dynamite has a blooming plant formula that is the same. I think someone told me that Dynamite is the same as Nutricote, just smaller quantity sold retail ...

[BettyE]

It sounds like Dynamite would work for me...Had I remained with the fir bark media. However, since that is NOT the case, the LECA would let the small pellets run through and out of the holes at the bottom of the plastic pots. Thanks for all the info, everyone. Think I'll stick to mixing my fertilizer for now...BettyE

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I used osmocote on my orchids that I placed outdoors in 2012. My catts, oncids, zygos, bc all subsequently flowered.
However I researched and found that the problem with osmocote is that all nutrients are released at once - above a certain temp, I think its 70f.
This year I am using dynamite as its a confirmed slow release. I will also supplement say every 2-3 weeks with a liquid fertiliser.

really? that is against their product claims then.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 PM ----------

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I mean like MSU fertilizers or things formulated especially for orchids.

Mixing doesn't stress me out though :-)

I also want more control over my fertilizing each time, so for ME, there are better choices for MY orchids.

Oh, I see. That is what I have been doing so far.
I don't mind it too much either but I was looking at the possibility of using "safe" time release fertilizer so I can just water plants.

---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------

Originally Posted by james mickelso

My bonsai was in a 1/8 inch size akadama cinder type sand. My orchids are in medium to coarse bark/sponge rock/ charcoal mix. When I watered my bonsai I ran water over the whole pot until water ran freely through the soil. I use a 5 gal bucket with RO water with fertilizer at 1/2 strength in which I dunk my orchids once or twice. The pelletized fertilizer would wash away quickly and even that which stayed would not release much fertilizer from my experience with it.

Thanks for sharing.

---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 PM ----------

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I started using it for Cyms as I was mostly watering them with the hose, so they seldom got fertilizer. Started putting in the bigger Catt and Laelia pots as they can be slower to dry than most of my other orchids, and so also weren't often getting fertilizer.

I think nutricote is sold mostly for commercial growers, but I have gotten one pound bags off ebay, and at local OS show. I think I have 13-13-13 ? Dynamite has a blooming plant formula that is the same. I think someone told me that Dynamite is the same as Nutricote, just smaller quantity sold retail ...

Good to know, thank you!

[orchidsarefun]

All packages are water-resistant and re-sealable.
Longevity At the following average media (soil) temperatures

4 - 5 mo. 60°F
3 - 4 mo. 70°F
2 - 3 mo. 80°F
1 - 2 mo. 90

Guaranteed Analysis
Total NITROGEN (N)†
8.2 % Ammoniacal Nitrogen
5.8 % Nitrate Nitrogen
14.00 %
AVAILABLE PHOSPHATE (P2O5)† 14.00 %
SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)† 14.00 %

Derived from: Polymer-Coated: Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Phosphate, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Sulfate.

†The Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash sources have been coated to provide 12% coated slow- release Nitrogen (N), 12% coated slow-release Available Phosphate (P2O5) and 12% coated slow-release soluble Potash (K2O).

[HighSeas]

I've used Osmocote & Dynamite on my Bonsai's as well as orchids (Cat's, LC's, Milltonia's and Oncidiums). I only use about 1-2 tsps. per pot on 4-6 inch pots....and continue with my regular fertilization routine. I've notice a difference...and I like it! My orchids are outdoors. During the very hot months here in Florida, I think it makes a difference so I will continue.

[Ordphien]

I only use it cause my outside orchids are hose watered, and over a fish pond.
So it's time release or nothing

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[cbuchman]

Originally Posted by HighSeas

I've used Osmocote & Dynamite on my Bonsai's as well as orchids (Cat's, LC's, Milltonia's and Oncidiums). I only use about 1-2 tsps. per pot on 4-6 inch pots....and continue with my regular fertilization routine. I've notice a difference...and I like it! My orchids are outdoors. During the very hot months here in Florida, I think it makes a difference so I will continue.

Hmmm. Sounds good. I never doubled up for fear of over fertilizing. Since I often just let the rain do my watering for me, this might be a good idea.

I had also read about using Osmocote on mounted orchids by wedging in a few of the spheres at the top of the mount so that as water drips down it carries some good stuff with it. I might try this, in particular.