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  #1  
Old 11-06-2020, 10:53 AM
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I have been doing a large amount of reading here and elsewhere and find many references to mag/cal additions to feeding. Can someone give me sources for these nutrients and how much you apply?
Thanks in advance.
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  #2  
Old 11-06-2020, 10:55 AM
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Do you water with tap water? If you do, it's likely not necessary.
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Old 11-06-2020, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by WaterWitchin View Post
Do you water with tap water? If you do, it's likely not necessary.
I use tap sometimes and rainwater at others. I don't know what the mineral content is in my tap. My den has never shown signs of deficiency. Now I'm adding phals, a vanda, and a cat to the mix. I won't drink my tap water. But if it's ok for the plants, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.
Thanks.
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Old 11-06-2020, 12:50 PM
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I suggest that folks start by looking at their town's Annual Water Quality Report. Here's your latest one.

The pH is slightly acidic, so it seems likely you don't have an excess of calcium or magnesium, so even if you don't want to spend the money on a water analysis, I think you can safely add more to be sure the plants are getting enough.

There are a couple of ways you can go. Personally, I prefer to use a fertilizer that contains calcium and magnesium so I don't have to bother with another product. I prefer K-Lite fertilizer, but the MSU RO formula is also good.

Another alternative is to get a cal/mag supplement and add it to your irrigation regimen periodically.

A third option is incorporating gypsum or dolomite in the potting medium or top-dressing with a little for both calcium and magnesium, or pulverized, calcined oyster shell (often sold for poultry) for just calcium.

When I moved to coastal NC, with a similar geology to yours, I got a water sample and found that my water contains almost no magnesium, but that lime is added to stabilize the pH, so there's plenty of calcium. I could have just used Epsom Salts for the Mg, but again, I find it easier to just use a complete fertilizer.
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Old 11-06-2020, 02:19 PM
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D.O.M ----- I recently posted what I do for fertiliser and mag-cal at this link here.
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Old 11-06-2020, 05:11 PM
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LOL... Bill, I KNEW you were gonna say get a water report! I almost asked for it in advance, but didn’t wanna explain why.
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Old 11-06-2020, 06:04 PM
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You’re welcome.
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Old 11-06-2020, 06:11 PM
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Let me guess (even though probably wrong) ----- Billy Ray? hehe
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Old 11-06-2020, 07:51 PM
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Every orchid grower should have their water report and learn what it means.
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Old 11-06-2020, 08:12 PM
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Let me guess (even though probably wrong) ----- Billy Ray? hehe
No. She says I'm "Bill Nye, The Science Guy" because of my (mostly) scientific fact-based responses.
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