Fertilizing orchids, when, what and how much?

[Rosiefuture]

Although I have had orchids for a few years I wouldn't truly say that I've been growing them. They basically have survived despite me! LOL

I was very bad and have killed quite a few by not fertilizing, over watering, under watering and basically ignoring them.

Due to a MAJOR life change I am now a different person and I want to concentrate on looking after my orchids but there is so much I don't know.

When should I fertilize them? What should I fertilize them with? What strength? Do different orchids like different fertilizers?

I'm in Western Australia just south of Perth and we are just into our autumn here. Thanks Marion

[Ray]

I suppose that technically speaking, each plant will have its own set of nutritional needs, just as people do, but I know of no specific work that has identified that, so recommend a formula that is complete with all macro-, minor-, and trace elements. Do not get one with too much nitrogen, or you'll be getting great vegetative growth and probably little flowering.

As to the when to feed or not question, that's going to vary all over the map, too, but the general rule of thumb is to feed more when the plant is growing, less when it's not. If you're one of those Aussies who grows a lot of native plants, you can take clues from the seasons.

I have a varied collection, so I have stuff growing, blooming, and resting all at the same time, practically all year. I also don't have time to give individual treatment, so I feed everything a relatively dilute fertilizer solution (100-150 ppm N) at every watering, all year. I'm in Pennsylvania, but if I was in Florida - with it's stronger light levels - I'd probably increase the concentration a bit.

My suggestion is that you visit a local orchid society and ask questions of other growers, as they will have a directly-applicable set of recommendations.

[Pupka]

As to when to fertilize your orchids depends on what stage it is in. If it is growing actively you better fertilize with nitrogen. I use 31-11-11 for actively growing plants, and 9-59-11 for mature bulbs to initiate blooming. It also depends on the weather and season. Use less or no fertilizer in winter and cloudy days, and more otherwise. Keep in mind, though, that for orchids they recommend half the dose of the recommended dilution(unless you have a fertilizer specially made for orchids) Phragmipediums, for instance must be fertilized only occasionally, with may be 1/3 of the recommended dilution.

Hope this helps.

[Rosiefuture]

Thank you for your advice, I will fertilize them today as I think they are in need of it.