Fertilizing-when to apply high phosphate fertilizer

[Fil]

I have several adult cataleya plants sending out new growth. At what time or size do I begin to apply high phosphate fertilizer to promote strong, healthy buds & flowers?

[slipperfreak]

There are a lot of different opinions out there about fertilizing. But I think most people would agree that the best time to apply high-P for Catts would be when the new growths are mature or almost mature.

[Ray]

Orchids really don't need a lot of phosphorus - a steady, low-level diet is sufficient. If there is excess P available the plant will gather it up and store it in vacuoles in case it runs into a deficiency in the future.

If, on the other hand, you're regularly feeding a high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can prevent blooming and lead to "soft" vegetative growth, you'd be better off blending the two to dilute the nitrogen.