Fertilizers and bottled water versus tap

[dennis4246]

Hello everyone:
Am new to orchids and have some basic questions.

1. What kind of fertilizer is a best all around for use.

2. How often should plants be fertilized.

3. Is tap water ok or should I buy distilled.

[Ross]

Have you read this material? Plant Nutrition Ray has most of the answers you seek and is a Orchid Board member.

[Royal]

In reverse order:

3. It depends on your municipal water quality. Call the water company and ask for a copy of your last "consumer confidence report". It should have a hardness measurement. You'll have to look up what is considered "hard" but up over 50 and you start pushing it.

2. In general, weekly. Use half strength weekly (every watering for some). You could just go regular strength about once per month but I like making it always available. Some need a break from fertilizing so research your specific plants.

1. Avoid nitrogen as urea. Just look at the label. You want available N so the plant can uptake it immediately. MSU is perfect. First Ray's (OB member ) has it. It comes in different formulas for different water types. His site has lots of info too, you may get a better answer to #3.

[annehylee]

Dennis4246, what type of orchids do u have? I have 3 phals and I use 1/4 of the strength. I fertilize mine 2wice a month and on the last week of the month, I flush it with regular water (eg. Weeks 1 & 3 fertilize, week 2 & 4 just water with week 4 flushing). Anybody have thoughts on this method?