Which type of fertilizer when in bloom vs. when not?

[Malachai]

Hello all ~ From what I recall there is a different type of fertilizer for when an orchid is on bloom than when it is not. Would anyone care to explain the difference to me, as well as the reason behind it? Thanks in advance! First post, yay!

[Cym Ladye]

Malachai,

First of all, welcome to the forum. Your first question is a very good one.

In regard to the changing of fertilizers during certain months of the year, I will give you a rather simple, beginner-type explanation: Apply high nitrogen in the spring and early summer, when rapid growth is occurring, to promote growth; low nitrogen in the fall and early winter so the other fertilizer ingredients can promote bloom strength. No fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer during the cold/wet months.

That being said, if you ask ten more members of this Forum, you will get 11 different answers. That is just the way of orchid growers, and after listening to all we have to say, you will end up doing what works best for you.

Nitrogen is used to promote growth and the lowering of nitrogen allows other elements of the fertilizer to take over and convert the plant energy into bloom production.

How does this relate you ask, to the bottle of fertilizer I buy? Nitrogen is the first number in the formula on the container. So for now, higher first number for growth formula and lower first number for bloom formula. These are usually applied at a diluted rate each week of the month with a flush with straight water on the fourth week.

Simple? Now the rest of the Forum can join in and explain the complicated nature and thoughts on ammoniacal nitrogen vs urea and the benefits of potassium and phosphorus.

Personally, I have become a recent fan of Dynamite (the fertilizer, not the boom boom thing!) Slow release granules applied every 6-8 months and watered in with plain water when you water. Simple and uncomplicated to give you time to do other things with your hobby.

Best of luck and good growing.

Cym Ladye

[Shirley]

Nice answer, Cym Ladye! Brief and easy to understand. Thanks!!

[Malachai]

Yes, much appreciated. I did a forum search on fertilizer and believe I found statements that it is best NOT to fertilize once they're actually in bloom? Or is that when to go low nitro? Or is low nitro to entice them to bloom?

Thank heavens for my small background in saltwater reef tanks . . . discussion of nitrogen, phosphates, magnesium, etc at least is not completely foreign to me!

[Soonix]

Does the same apply when the plant is in sheet/ spike? Do you keep fertilizing or stop the feeding?

Thx

[camille1585]

I use the same fertilizer at the same dose year round regardless of whether they are in spike or not. I use an almost balanced fertilizer (5-6-6 since I can't find anything balanced!) at 125ppm N at every watering. It seems to work for me, since I have several orchids in spike at the moment. I don't use bloom booster since I just don't have the time to give 2 different ferts each watering depending on what plant needs what.
This subject has been discussed a few times here on OB, and I know that several people do the same thing with whatever fertilizer they are using.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Soonix

Does the same apply when the plant is in sheet/ spike? Do you keep fertilizing or stop the feeding?

Chumy,

There was time when I diligently changed my types of fertilizers as do the commercial growers, but as time has gone by, I have been able to accomplish the same results with balanced fertilizer all year long. I also have been able to get the same results using Dynamite, which is a higher nitrogen component fertilizer, from spring repotting to winter. During the cold, cloudy, rainy, winter months here in Northern California, I tend not to fertilize at all until a warmer, sunny day occurs in Jan-Feb. Then I will water with a 20-20-20 blend. When the weather warms and we see more sun, I again start with the slow release Dynamite granules. Actually the withholding of Nitrogen often has the same results as using a fertilizer with low nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium, hence stopping fertilizing altogether in the fall.

Most orchids, with the exception of the ones that go dormant in the cold months, grow all year long, either as growth when in bloom or in spike initiation when in growth mode. However, cooler weather will definitely slow the absorption of any fertilizer.

Hope this helps.

[Soonix]

Yes thank you very much. I have only been growing for 2 years and have been here on OB only for 6 mnths. Prior to OB i had no idea about feeding and stuff like that. I will get a balanced fert and i think feeding less in the winter does make sense. I am noticing that i have a lot of chids that are still in full growth, i will keep feeding till i see the growth slow down.

Thank you for the info

[quiltergal]

I do the same as Camille. I use Greencare MSU at 125ppm N at every watering unless the plant likes a winter rest. I've had no issues getting plants to bloom and in fact they have larger and nicer flowers than before when I was messing around with switching ferts. I think the trick is to not use too high a concentration of nitrogen. That's what can keep your plants from blooming.

[William]

How about Vandas? I've been a joke with my friends because I can get pretty much of my orchids to bloom except for my Vandas. They are beautiful but in at least two years no blooms.