Fertilizer

[BikerDoc5968]

Just to chime in again... I think some of the comments are especially important. First, I don't think it makes a lot of difference what you use, if it works for you in YOUR specific growing scheme, then it is the best choice. As an example, the MSU stuff contains some Ca, while the Better Gro does not. Many Paphs enjoy some Ca in their diet and might do better with the MSU stuff. Then again Phrags don't like to be fed too much without getting all brown and ugly no matter what food you use. Next, Ray has written several times on this question and has made some very excellent comments, so maybe search for his stuff and use his fertilizer calculator to determine just how much of whatever you use to feed your chids. So there are as many choices as there are people responding. As long as you adapt your route to your plants and give them the other essentials, like light, air circulation, humidity and correct temperatures, I don't thing it matters whether you are using 10-10-10 or 20-14-13. So that's why I purchase what is easy for me to get and doesn't cost $$$$$.

[camille1585]

As to the need for extra Ca (and Mg) it also depends on your water. For example at my country house the tapwater is extremely soft, and I know that the plants are not getting enough of these nutrients (especially Mg which is very important for blooming) I either need to find fertilizers that contain Mg and Ca, or add some in.

[britbloke]

The easy way to add magnesium is by using Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate).

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by britbloke

The easy way to add magnesium is by using Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate).

Those are very difficult to find in France, and tend to be expensive when I do find some somewhere. I have some left from when I lived in the US, but once I run out I'll have to start using a fert which contains Mg.

[FrankP999]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Those are very difficult to find in France, and tend to be expensive when I do find some somewhere. I have some left from when I lived in the US, but once I run out I'll have to start using a fert which contains Mg.

have you looked for Epsom salts at drugstores or health stores? It is often used for soaking injuries like a twisted ankle.

Frank

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by FrankP999

have you looked for Epsom salts at drugstores or health stores? It is often used for soaking injuries like a twisted ankle.

Frank

I've looked everywhere, and no one has even heard of epsom salts! I've found some on internet, but with shipping costs and the already somewhat high price it's not worth the cost for what it is. I completely forgot to buy more while in the USA this spring/summer. I'll probably go again next year, and try to remember to stop by CVS! My stock should last until then.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Howard, always so helpful! I usually use rays calculator when I get a knew fertilizer. Everyhijg you say is helpful, and I thank you greatly!

[BikerDoc5968]

Thanks for the compliment, Bob.

[Call_Me_Bob]

No problem, thanks for your help

[DelawareJim]

I use either Ray's MSU for well water, Dyna-Gro, or Better-Gro from Lowes/Home Depot.

The one thing they all have in common is that they do not use urea as the source of N. Some research in the last year or 2 suggests that urea causes the environment in the potting medium to swing from acidic (low pH) to basic (high pH) at each fertilisation resulting in root damamge over time.

Cheers.
Jim