Mist systems + fertilizer?

[PlumCrazy]

Hello! I am about to purchase a Mist King system in hopes of fully automating my setup. I also just purchased a batch of K-Lite fertilizer. My question is: is there any reason I can not just put the fertilizer in the mist system reservoir?

One concern I had is that powdered fertilizer will settle and then not fertilize in the correct concentrations. What about liquids – would they also settle too much? The second concern was if the fertilizer would clog the nozzles.

If this method isn’t recommended, is there a way of automating fertilization?

[Roberta]

Fertilizer is going to clog up the misters - a mist system needs very pure water, such as RO, DI, or distilled. But since orchids don't want much fertilizer, I would suggest that until your collection gets VERY large, do the fertilizing manually. To do it accurately with automation is a major, and potentially quite expensive, project.

[Ray]

I concur.

[PlumCrazy]

Well, not what I wanted to hear, but thank you both for responding. My collection is not very large or expensive, though it is well loved. Sounds like I am sticking to fertilizing manually for now.

[Roberta]

I find that manual fertilizing gives me a chance to take a close look at my orchids... my watering is automated so otherwise, I'd miss things! And my collection isn't small... around 1700, over most of my back yard. I still use a pump sprayer... inexpensive proportioners that let one keep the concentrate in a bucket and use a hose, tend to be flaky - and dependent on water pressure. So I get my exercise every week or two... I could get a high-quality fertilizer injector like Dositron which is accurate, and flexible, but the cost is really high - would make sense for a commercial operation.

[thefish1337]

I'm going to provide an alternate take on this- you can fertilize if you want by mister. Keep the solution at a low ppm and you will be fine. Other people have noted that the water be low ppm TDS as well, which I agree with. As long as you refill the tank at a reasonable interval and maintain the proper pH most of the nutrients will stay in solution. To deal with mineral build up on the sprayers there is a product called "drip-clean" that works quite well.

Drip Clean

[PlumCrazy]

Thanks for all of the feedback. My mister is on the way, and I think for the time being, I will stick to manual fertilization, but I'm glad to know that the drip-clean may be an option in the future.

Roberta - Really??? 1700???? Your collection is amazing!!! Looking at your photos *almost* makes me want to move back to L.A., but not really. Instead I'll be here in Indiana struggling to make a little tiny enclosure of appropriate conditions for my orchids...

[Roberta]

Well, it started with one... but being in an area where so much can grow outside, I let a lot of them follow me home... I am constantly amazed at what people can do to grow these plants in decidedly difficult conditions!