Questions about watering and feeding - Orchid Board

erebor · #1 08-23-2009, 02:04 PM

So, I got an orchid (identified as a Miltassia C.M. Fitch "Izumi" by WhiteRabbit and AG, thanks again, guys!) and it's coming up on three to four weeks that I've managed not to kill him! I was just wondering (brace yourselves for the stupidity) how to water him. So far, I've been misting the roots in the mornings (because I've read on the boards that this type doesn't like having its leaves misted) and thoroughly wetting both the air roots and the material (lava rocks?) in the pot once a week. (It's summer here, about 70-80 during the day, down to upper 50s, 60s at night, and it's about 50% humidity.) I do this by setting the plant in the sink and pouring lukewarm water onto the roots and into the pot, then allowing the pot to drain before returning it to its saucer. The roots turn green and flexible when the plant is wet. In between waterings (and before mistings) however, the roots are white, dry, and very brittle-- and they reach this state within hours of having been watered! I am afraid to water him more frequently (the horror stories about root rot and infections have done the trick) but brittle, dry roots are a new phenomenon to me as an orchid beginner. Is this normal? Should I water more often?

I have a second question about feeding him. I bought some water-soluble orchid food (Schultz, 19-31-17) and I have followed the directions on the package as to dosing, but how do I administer it? If I simply water him with the Schultz-laced water, it seems like a lot of it is wasted/never gets to the plant. How do you feed your orchids?

Thanks!

neb · #2 08-23-2009, 02:19 PM

The easiest way I have found to do it without wasting too much fertilizer if to use a spray bottle and spray till it is all dripping then if I remember do it again in 10 or 20 minuets. The drying of the roots is normal when they stop going green you have something to worry about.

orchidsamore · #3 08-23-2009, 08:52 PM

Your watering in the sink is correct. Flood it with water and let it drain completely. Water again when the medium becomes dry.

The misting does not do anything for the plant but does no harm either.

The fertilizer is easily put on with a spray bottle, but get away from the one you have.

You have a high Phosphorus fertilizer that is sold as a 'Bloom Booster' but there is no proof that it works.

What high Phosphorus does is kill all the microbes in the potting medium.

Plants especially orchids do not need much phosphorus. Phosphorus takes 5 years to decompose so it is highly unlikely anyone has a deficiency.

Phosphorus has been banned from laundry detergents because of the damage to our rivers and streams. The State of Florida has now banned it in outdoor landscaping use because of the destruction of the Everglades.

Use a balance fertilizer 13-13-13 or 20-20-20 for better results or if you can find low phosphorous fertilizers that is even better,