Supplements

[HiOrcDen]

So my Dendrobium 'Samurai' (Sameri) has started to put out a spike, first of my large plants. I caused me to think, should I start looking into supplements (if that's the correct term) products that boost blooming and growth, such as mega-thrive, or formulas recommended on First Rays, anything along those lines? On that note, I have been told that the Miracle Gro is just fine, but I somehow get the sense that with Orchids, there are more specialized foods/fertilizer that might work better.

Oh an just a ps. My miniature Masdevalia Alabaster had a bloom of two flowers which got too close to a light So should I cut the whole spike off? There is kind of a bump pretty low on the spike but I'm not sure if it's a node to cut back to.

[tmoney]

Originally Posted by HiOrcDen

So my Dendrobium 'Samurai' (Sameri) has started to put out a spike, first of my large plants. I caused me to think, should I start looking into supplements (if that's the correct term) products that boost blooming and growth, such as mega-thrive, or formulas recommended on First Rays, anything along those lines? On that note, I have been told that the Miracle Gro is just fine, but I somehow get the sense that with Orchids, there are more specialized foods/fertilizer that might work better.

Oh an just a ps. My miniature Masdevalia Alabaster had a bloom of two flowers which got too close to a light So should I cut the whole spike off? There is kind of a bump pretty low on the spike but I'm not sure if it's a node to cut back to.

howdy! while im certainly no expert, after growing lots of different plants for over 25 years i have always been told by informed people that the the bloom booster stuff is mostly hype and there arent measureable advantages (usually referring to the big name brand nutrients). i also get the feeling after reading several of rays posts here that he more or less feels the same (but i really don't want to put words into his mouth). so thats another seemingly informed opinion.

the only group of growers who i feel might have some differing opinions are the cannabis crowd. buuuut, we aren't growing orchids for flavors and specific compounds, with perhaps the exception of toying with nutrients to promote colors??? but i haven't read anywhere of anyone doing that with orchids.

[Ray]

As far as I’m concerned, the bottom line on fertilizer comes down to “Pretty much any complete formula will do. Use it regularly and sparingly”.

If you want to get a formula that is intended for orchids, that’s great - and they may be better for the plants - but not mandatory.

As far as additives are concerned, you had better know what you’re getting and how you’re using them.

Mega Thrive is an excellent way to stimulate new root growth in rootless plants, but, in my opinion, should not be used as a regular treatment, for a few reasons:

• Regular overdosing trace elements can really screw up a plant nutritionally, or kill it.
• The chemical is toxic.
• Any plant treated with the stuff is immediately toxic to birds and mammals.

Synthetic hormone treatments (KLN, Superthrive, etc.) can be useful for root recovery and general stimulation, but can be overdone, leading to flower deformities and stunted growth. Plus the stuff chemically degrades rather quickly, so you have to be sure to get a fresh bottle and keep it cool and dark.

Natural kelp products vary over the map, based upon species used and processing. My stance here is pretty well known, but you might take a look at this article.

As far as probiotics are concerned, I think they are a subtle “boon” to growers that few consider. Pretty much any of them is better than none at all, but the more complex the blend of species, the better.