Dyna Gro chunks? Am I loosing nutrients?! - Orchid Board

krienschmidt · #1 07-12-2016, 05:59 PM

Well now one more issue. Has anyone ever used Dyna Gro orchid food? I've found crystal like chunks on the bottom of 2 bottles. What the heck is this and am I loosing nutrients from the liquid? No luck trying to dissolve them.

I did not notice this issue in the first bottle and my paph is finally in spike after using it on her so I'd like to continue with it.

estación seca · #2 07-12-2016, 11:34 PM

It sounds like water evaporated from the bottle over time, and the concentration of some salt in the solution reached the point where the solution couldn't hold it. Dissolving the chunks is now probably pH dependent. You could also try adding a little more water, and heating the solution. Too hot and the nitrogen component will likely decompose to nitrogen gas.

krienschmidt · #3 07-13-2016, 02:42 PM

Thank You! I think your right about the water evaporation. I did get a reply from the company saying it's common when the solution is over 18 months to 2 years and the nutrients should be fine. Time will tell.

naoki · #4 07-13-2016, 03:52 PM

It is very difficult to make one-part fertilizers which include Ca and Mg:

Haifa Group - A leading supplier of specialty fertilizers - Interaction among Fertilizers (Compatibility)

DynaGro seems to do fairly well, but after a while, I also have seen precipitation. I'm guessing that it is CaSO4. So the ratio is changed, but I usually keep using it.

estación seca · #5 07-13-2016, 03:56 PM

Yes, when you mix dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium, you wind up with the white mineral deposits that are so hard to remove from beverage glasses, windshield, and faucets. Here in the desert it forms impenetrable layers in the soil, harder than concrete, called caliche. Fortunately I don't have any of that at my house.

krienschmidt · #6 07-14-2016, 10:32 PM

This is the answer I got from the web site I ordered form. I will keep using, hopefully it's fine.
"Typically it is minerals, some concentrates tend to have this happen. Your nutrients should be fine. Rule of thumb - Once you open your product you generally have a 18 months to 2 year shelf life on that if kept in a dark/ cool space."
By SoDoHydro on July 12, 2016