new to orchids, help with fertilizer, colors of leaves and just good suggestions

[BikerDoc5968]

KLN and SuperThrive are available online at a number of places... just google them. Seasonally, you may find SuperThrive at one of the Big Box Stores or a garden center. I purchase Hormex at a local hydroponics store. I pay about $16.00 for a 16 oz container of concentrate. It is very similar, not the same, to KLN and is also available online.

[BikerDoc5968]

Originally Posted by pauldog28504

i live in Fl in the north part about 1:20 south of Jaxs. i do know what the roots normal look like i have learned that one but have not take a look at my new plants i just got. Should i re-pot them if they still have a bloom shoot on them or would it be ok to re-pot them.

I sure hope you weren't offended by my comments regarding the appearance of roots and your knowledge. My intention was to inform not insult. You had said in your original post that you were relatively new to growing orchids... I do apologize if I offended you.

[pauldog28504]

no i was not offended and by your comment. I am new to orchids and i realized after i posted my message that did new things about the roots. do you have any suggestions on if the plants has blooms or the bloom steam if i can re-pot or do need to wait? i bought some orchid food from lowes but have not started watering with it yet b/c i just watered 2 days before i got it so i am going to wait. would it be ok to use a light soapy water wiping the leaves that look like a fungus to try to stop it and then whip with water or lemon juice after words

[BikerDoc5968]

Can't comment on the doap and what you think may be a fungus without some pictures. As for re-potting: Spike or not providing a good growing environment for the plant is the ultimate goal, for without that you won't have any flowers next year. So if you think the roots may be compromised, remove it and inspect and re-pot in whatever you like.... bark, etc. Everyone has their favorite mix for a specific genus because they have found what works best for them and the way they "grow" their plants. For phals, currently, I use a mix of bark, coconut husk chips (CHC), charcoal and perlite. Most of us kill plants because we try to be too kind to them and overfeed, over water or something! Usually it is our negligence like water in the crown of phals or too much water on young tender growth of Bulbos, or getting Paph spikes wet that takes its toll.

[pauldog28504]

here are the 2 that i am worried about at this time. my other 3 are looking great just no blooms but they are on there way. i got better-gro orchid plus water soluble orchid food. 20-14-13. it does not say on the bag and i went to there web page for a contact us about how long do you think i can keep it mixed in a bottle before it would go bad if i kept it mixed at a 1/2 gal or 1 gal at a time.

THANKS A BUNCH FOR YOUR HELP

[BikerDoc5968]

I also use both of the Better-Gro products. I mix in a 3 gal sprayer but I've got a greenhouse to water! I always keep something in the sprayer with very dilute fertilizer because I lightly spray my hanging baskets almost daily and I mist the air roots because I have a hard time keeping my humidity above 50% in the winter.

The first plant might not make it. Can't really see what's going on with the second. I have a feeling that if you look at the roots of the 1st, there may not be much with which to work.... if it has at least one good root try planting it back up in just course bark and don't water too much allowing it to dry somewhat between waterings....

[pauldog28504]

thanks for the info. I took both of them to a place called Jaxma orchid greenhouse. if you go to Jaxma Orchid Greenhouse Inc. you can check out what they have. they are about 30mins away from my home. she could not give me any ideas about the white on the leaves she said to cut off the leaves and let the second shoot that is growing to take over b/c there is nothing on it. she does not do that much with pest control or fungicides she has so many she just throws them away and goes on about the day. i found on a page about neem oil as a good pest and fungicide would you agree if so i am going to pick some up from a local health food store

[ohanahana]

pauldog--is your plant sitting in a plastic dish?

[BikerDoc5968]

Neem oil works... I guess. I've personally never used it because it is an OIL and if used when there is direct sun will do major burn damage to your plants. Pictures of this white stuff would be of help. If it is a fungus, use a specific fungicide like Daconil or Immunox, both of which are available at Home Depot or Lowes.

[pauldog28504]

all of my orchids are in a clear plastic pot and some or in a clay pot that i can take out b/c they are in the plastic clear pot and all are sitting in a clear or black saucer