calcium mxing directions

[dickjo]

What would you recomend in a non commercial application

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

I have a fertilizer made by Peters that also has calcium and magnesium + Micro Nutrients. The analysis is: 15-5-15-5-2 (N-P-K-Ca-Mg) On the label you are advised to add a drop of Superthrive and to water with plain water once a month during the growing season. In the winter it says to use it half strength.
Comments, advice?
Beverly A.

That's perfect. That's exactly the type of fertilizer that the old timers, here in South Florida use. With that formula it really isn't necessary to use any extra calcium or magnesium, in my opinion. Half strength in the winter makes perfect sense also.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

I have a fertilizer made by Peters that also has calcium and magnesium + Micro Nutrients. The analysis is: 15-5-15-5-2 (N-P-K-Ca-Mg) On the label you are advised to add a drop of Superthrive and to water with plain water once a month during the growing season. In the winter it says to use it half strength.
Comments, advice?
Beverly A.

I have always been uncomfortable with Superthrive because it contains some unidentified ingredients (they say 15% solids, but don't specify what most of those solids are). I know lots of folks use it though; I would just do some due diligence & know what you are using.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I have always been uncomfortable with Superthrive because it contains some unidentified ingredients (they say 15% solids, but don't specify what most of those solids are). I know lots of folks use it though; I would just do some due diligence & know what you are using.

Besides the naphthalene acetic acid - a synthetic rooting hormone - SuperThrive contains vitamin B1, humates, enzymes, and a myriad of other, potentially beneficial stuff. However, the NAA degrades very rapidly, and being the most active ingredient in the formula, folks may find it to be a relatively ineffective addition to their feeding regimen.

[pattieclemm]

I have Epsom salts, what is the dilution rate please.
can I administer calcium nitrate and Epsom salts at same time. (in same solution or do both have to be separate mixes and/or can I give both same time or 2 weeks apart once a month). I see from all comments it looks like they are combined in pre packaged containors, with exact dilution requirements. but, what is you recommendations for separate packages of each.

[Cym Ladye]

Whoa, PaphMadMan! I absolutely meant no disrespect for the knowledge you or any chemists on this Forum may have. I only was attempting to simplify in lay terms what I do and what has been successful for me for over 45 years of orchid growing for supplying Ca and Mg to my orchids, based on my water and the fertilizer I use, in an easy way.

Pattie, it would be wonderful if we all had written directions for how much of what we should use on our orchids for a "perfect bloom" with perfect chemical ratios. Unless you are in the commercial orchid business, have absolute criteria for all your water components, manufacture your own fertilizer and additives to your specific needs, and then apply it through a computer system, this just will not happen for the thousands of hobbyist growers who compose the majority of members on this Forum. We do the best we can FOR OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES. Yes, there are goals we want to meet, but many novice growers get totally confused if they are met with the separate addition of too many chemical elements.

The bottom line for all of us is to grow our orchids as best and easily as we can given our circumstances.

I do not know what your level of orchid growing experience or scientific background is, but I do see an inquiring mind which I truly admire. I have always felt an easy first approach is the best way to start and that is why I said what I did on easy ways to apply the Ca and Mg needed. The "proof is in the pudding" as the old saying goes. Just because someone tells you you need to do something, does not necessarily mean your plants are showing signs that they really do need it. I do not see where you ever said what fertilizer you are currently using? What are its components?

I have always felt that keeping the care of your orchids in the simplest, most convenient way to fit your lifestyle will give you the most enjoyment. If it is easy for you to use the Calcium Nitrate in the powder form you ordered, provided you do not have the Peter's formula posted earlier in this thread, by all means make the effort. If you want an easier approach, use the Epsom salts/oyster shell combination. it is up to you, and only you will be able to tell if it is a program you can stay with, year in and year out and if it MAKES YOUR ORCHIDS GROW SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER.

To finally answer your question on Epsom Salts amount. I use equal amounts of ES to the fertilizer I use, based on my DSL. For instance, if I am dissolving 1/4 cup of fertilizer for my concentrate based on the size of my container and a 16-1 ratio of delivery, I will use 1/4 cup of Epsom Salts. What isn't absorbed will be flushed out.

Now is that scientific, probably not. BUT IT WORKS FOR ME! But even after all these years of growing, I would really prefer to have a fertilizer which had all the nutritional elements necessary for quality growing and not have to supplement because of elements/nutrients/micronutrients missing in the fertilizer.

CL

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by pattieclemm

I have Epsom salts, what is the dilution rate please.
can I administer calcium nitrate and Epsom salts at same time. (in same solution or do both have to be separate mixes and/or can I give both same time or 2 weeks apart once a month). I see from all comments it looks like they are combined in pre packaged containors, with exact dilution requirements. but, what is you recommendations for separate packages of each.

I use about a teaspoon Epsom salts per gallon. I add some of this solution (maybe a pint per gallon) when I water. As I mentioned earlier, don't use during the same watering as your calcium nitrate (read prior post).

[pattieclemm]

I use Norman's Optim orchid Nutrients. It Contains 20-16-15 the total nitrogen is (N)9.2 ammoniacal nitrogen
Nitrite Nitrogen 10.8.

phosphoric acid ( P205) 16%
soluable potash (K20) 15%
Mg 0.50%
sulfur 1.0%
Boron 0.02%

cheliated ingredients:
copper
Molybdeum
Iron
Manganease
Zinc


main reason for the calcium is due to a problem with my Catts. I had to toss 3 of them due to a problem with a bacterial or rot of some kind of infection. I had been told to add Ca and later told if I needed Ca then use Mg. I have been and orchid admirer and owner since 2004. I have 21 orchids 2 phals. 1 cym. 6 onici., 2 dems., and 9 cats. I love them all I have lost 3 in the past week due to my problem of infection. I was thinking about changing brands of fertalizer but, I thought if I added calcium I would be ok. I am R.N. with a brief 2 years college chem. and a pharmaceutical back ground so I do know a little bit of what your talking about. Basically anyway I just can't spell or type. but the jist of what your talking about so any and all advice is appreciated.. I have held off at administering CA and Mg as my fertilizer has Mg in it I will heed all advice and make my decisions wisely I hope. I will let you know how It works in near future. I am new to the Orchid board and looking forward to many more discussions with all of you. So now I will muddle through all of the info you all gave me, thank you all........

[Nexogen]

Panacea

If you are managing a group of different plants, you really should be able to get a feel for each individual’s personality.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by pattieclemm

.....


main reason for the calcium is due to a problem with my Catts. I had to toss 3 of them due to a problem with a bacterial or rot of some kind of infection............

In my opinion, a change of fertilizer will not cure this problem. Being sure your plants receive all the nutrients they need will lead to healthier growth, but in and by itself will not cure bacterial or fungal infections. That is a whole different problem.

When i gave you my Epsom Salt amount, I should have just said "equal amount to fertilizer". Sorry.

And as parting words: don't ever stop asking questions. That is how we all started!

CL