Fertilizer

[Call_Me_Bob]

So I've in out of fertilizer, and I would now like to get the most ideal one to replace it. What do you hinknis the best. Hopefully nit overly expensive. Thanks

ID also like to know what you use

[camille1585]

You do realize that you're going to get a zillion different answers to your question? LOL. You could try the MSU fertilizer (Ray sells it) that's specially formulated for orchids. I've never tried it though since it's hard to find on this side of the pond.

[rangiku]

Those with infinitely more knowledge than I say MSU is the way to go. Just bought some for tap water to use when I finish up the DynaGrow. It comes in both tap and RO/rainwater/distilled formulas. Make sure to buy the proper one for the water you use.

[BikerDoc5968]

The MSU stuff is good and available from many vendors on line. I personally use the Better Gro stuff available at Lowe's or Homedepot for about $3.85/pound bag. I like it because it has trace elements in it and most importantly for me, I can get it cheap and locally. Comes in two flavors; 20-14-13 and 11-35-15 mixed a teaspoon/gallon. However, if you use Ray's calculator the 20-14-13 has a bit too much nitrogen so I back off some.

[tucker85]

There are some people now who swear by the low phosphorous MSU formula and others who still believe in the balanced (10-10-10) type fertilizer. I've used both and really had good results with both of them. Just get a fertilizer that doesn't contain urea and has primary and secondary elements (also known as a complete fertilizer). There are several inexpensive fertilizers formulated just for orchids. Most of them are probably fine.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by camille1585

You do realize that you're going to get a zillion different answers to your question? LOL. You could try the MSU fertilizer (Ray sells it) that's specially formulated for orchids. I've never tried it though since it's hard to find on this side of the pond.

I realize now that I wasn't clear in my question, and I apologize. I wanted to know what people suggested, yes. But I also wanted to see what different people suggest and what they use successfully




Thanks for all you answers so far

[Pampered]

Umm first time heard about the MSU. Where have I been? :P

In Thailand, most of orchid growers/hobbyists stick with slow-release NPK fertilizer. We occasionally spray a liquid booster called "Alfa Omega" as an extra. To know about the MSU one is a big move for a newbie like me. Thanks!

[tucker85]

I've used Norman's Optimal Orchid Nutrients, Jack's Classic Orchid fertilizer, Maxsea Plant Food, liquid MSU, Southern Ag. 16-3-16, Dynamite 13-13-13 time release fertilizer. They all seemed to work well. I didn't notice any difference. I would use any of them again except the time release. I didn't like the fact that I never knew how much fertilizer the orchids were getting with the time release.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i wouldnt use time release, as i have some things that are mounted as well.

maybe i will try some MSU

[Pampered]

Thank you, Tucker and Bob, for the info. Now it's time to find and try some of those fertilizers you guys mentioned about.