Down the rabbit hole for fertilizers

[isurus79]

I also use the K-Lite and Kelpmax/pak mix, similarly to what is described above. My results are excellent with these.

Worth noting is that the MSU formula was NOT created for orchids. Its typically more expensive than other formulas but delivers the same results as non-MSU formulas.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Worth noting is that the MSU formula was NOT created for orchids. It’s typically more expensive than other formulas but delivers the same results as non-MSU formulas.

True enough.

In fact, the only fertilizer ever formulated specifically with orchids in mind is K-Lite, which is a derivative of the MSU RO formula.

[jtrmd]

This is another one of those. What works for you scenarios. Good success with k-lite and RO here.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by Ray

There is no MSU fertilizer for “RO/Rain/Tap” water. Yes, there are two formulas, one labeled “Orchid Special - RO” and another labeled “Orchid Special - Well Water”.

The first is intended to be used with any pure water supply, that is, one containing no-, to low dissolved solids. Some tap water qualifies, but most don’t. RepotMe buys the stuff and repackages it under that misleading label.

The RO formula contains 8% Ca and 2% Mg, while the Well Water formula contains 2% Ca.

Well, I guess I've been duped and didn't know it. This is what's in my cupboard:

FEED ME! MSU Fertilizer - RO/Rain/Tap Water - Granular 8 oz

– rePotme

Apparently, repotme.com is not the only seller out there repackaging it this way:

MSU Fertilizer (13-3-15) With Calcium & Magnesium and Other Essential - Tezula LLC

MSU: SPECIAL ORCHID FERTILIZER. 13-3-15. RO, RAIN or TAP WATER FORMULA!

Kelly's Korner has a different take on it:

Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies

So if "most" tap water does not qualify, I guess I've been doing my plants a disservice for a long time.

[estación seca]

I think using the MSU well water blend with pure water produces low pH solutions, but that may not be a problem for the orchids, because most media will raise the low pH. Using the pure water blend with tap water will probably not cause problems.

I buy 20 pound / 9kg bags of 20-20-20 plus micronutrients at a nearby agricultural supply store for a much lower price per pound than any house plant or hobbyist orchid fertilizer. I use the 20-20-20 on all my plants not in the ground, including the orchids, so I go through a few bags a year.

[jtrmd]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I think using the MSU well water blend with pure water produces low pH solutions, but that may not be a problem for the orchids, because most media will raise the low pH. Using the pure water blend with tap water will probably not cause problems.

I buy 20 pound / 9kg bags of 20-20-20 plus micronutrients at a nearby agricultural supply store for a much lower price per pound than any house plant or hobbyist orchid fertilizer. I use the 20-20-20 on all my plants not in the ground, including the orchids, so I go through a few bags a year.

I do the same for my flower bed, outdoor potted plants, and veggies with a 40lb bag of 10-10-10. It also comes in handy for ice melt on the sidewalks

[Mugsie]

Ok, I am using rain water collected from my roof runoff. Pollen, bird poop, dead bugs etc. I picked up a small bag of tezula MSU formula for RO & rain water. I'll give this a try for a while. Hopefully they'll all stay happy and I don't need to overthink this any longer.

Thank you all for your inputs, I did learn a lot. The lessons and help from you experienced growers is invaluable. Thank you for your contributions.