Finally Kelpmax

[Ashleyma23]

I was finally able to get my hands on First Rays Kelp max and boy are my roots growing faster on plants with healthy roots or new root nubbins. Is this only a once in a month thing. Mine are planted in lava rock / Hydroton
This is defiantly my holy grail now.
I am in search of a new fertilizer is there anything in the range of seaweed types?

Thanks again.

[Ray]

I think you'd be better off with a good, complete formula like those from Greencare, the so-called "MSU" and K-Lite blends.

Seaweeds really aren't very good fertilizers. Sure, they contain some basic nutrient value - KelpMax does - but in order to get complete nutrition at effective levels (which really isn't much), other stuff must be added. Fish emulsion is often one of those additives, but most find the odor "significant."

Whether you prefer "natural" products or not, the nutrient ions absorbed by the plants are the same.

[Ashleyma23]

Originally Posted by Ray

I think you'd be better off with a good, complete formula like those from Greencare, the so-called "MSU" and K-Lite blends.

Seaweeds really aren't very good fertilizers. Sure, they contain some basic nutrient value - KelpMax does - but in order to get complete nutrition at effective levels (which really isn't much), other stuff must be added. Fish emulsion is often one of those additives, but most find the odor "significant."

Whether you prefer "natural" products or not, the nutrient ions absorbed by the plants are the same.

Ray,

Yes I do prefer something natural, is there any specific brands I could use?

The root growth is incredible with just the Kelpmax but I do want to incorporate a complete fertilizer.

Thanks again.

[estación seca]

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

[Ashleyma23]

Ahahah, I won't be doing that anytime soon as I'm vegan.
😆

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

OK now that is just sick.

Ashley fish fertilizer is the only thing I can think of for you. Neptune has one that is mixed with kelp but you already have that so you could just get regular fish fert and use them separate or together.

[LobsterOfJustice]

We alternate between these two fertilizers and all of our orchids are growing (cattleya, neofinetia, vanda, phal, chiloschista, tolumnia, den. phal., den. nobile, epidendrum).

We fertilize weakly weekly (1/4 strength every weekend) and about 1x/month, just plain water to flush out the pots.

https://www.amazon.com/PETERS-ORCHID.../dp/B001REFJEA

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bulb-8303.../dp/B004Z6JOXY

Also have KelpMax and I tend to use it for new orchids or newly re-potted orchids to help them adjust and grow in their new environment, it seems to work well.

If you come across a balanced fertilizer that is urea free, please let us know!

[bethmarie]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have an English glasshouse and stovekeeping book from 1885. It recommends, at repotting, wrapping a trapped rat in an old handkercheif and burying it at the bottom of the pot.

I rather like that idea. It sounds less tedious than measuring and mixing gallon after gallon after gallon.

The cost of air fresheners might be daunting.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by bethmarie

I rather like that idea. It sounds less tedious than measuring and mixing gallon after gallon after gallon.

The cost of air fresheners might be daunting.

At the bottom of the pot. And the noble wasn't the one doing the repotting.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by Ashleyma23

Ahahah, I won't be doing that anytime soon as I'm vegan.
😆

Here are some ideas. Except for the one with bonemeal, most of these are pretty safe if you want your fertilizer to be vegan, too.

Some organic options that do not involve killing anything....

A pet rabbit. They create the perfect fertilizer. Their 'marbles' do not need to be composted before use.

Goldfish. They need about ten gallons each but they really create great fertilizer. I had to add Calcium and, I think, maybe either phosphorous or potassium. It has been a while since I had a pond. Probably other types of fish will work, too.

If you are okay with bonemeal, there is the Espoma line of fertilizers which I use for my other houseplants. I haven't tried the liquid types yet but the powdered types smell a bit. I am not sure if all of them contain the bonemeal, either. The hour is rather late so I kind of got tired.

Product Lines | Espoma

Cottonseed meal. This is good for plants that prefer a low pH. Many orchids fit into that category. You could always add some lime to up the pH.

Here is a website that may have some ideas, too.

ttps://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/organic-gardening/