Quote:
Originally Posted by Makaleka
My question is: to water before fertilizing or not?
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Usually, the fertiliser is mixed with water. So when you water the orchid (the media), the media and roots get a dose of fertiliser.
The fertiliser gets into and onto the media. And the roots get some fertiliser into them. Then, for the next time you water (with no fertiliser) ---- some of the fertiliser elements will probably still be available to the orchid roots and plant - as the media still contains fertiliser.
The main thing is to try to not over-apply fertiliser to avoid the salts accumulating to undesirable levels on the roots and in the media. And some methods of ensuring accumulated salts don't create issues is to occasionally 'flush' the media in the pot by running fresh water heavily (for long enough time).
I've never flushed my orchid pots before, and haven't had issues with fertiliser salt build up with a monthly weak-fertiliser schedule. But I do like the recommendation of flushing every once in a while. It's a good recommendation.
I fertilise once a month, and use a spray-water-wand to water the media of the orchid pots.
Fertilizing Phalaenopsis
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