Dynamite time release fertilizer when ands on what? - Orchid Board

JerseyGirlBecky · #1 02-15-2011, 10:44 AM

Yesterday I got the dynamite time release fertilizer. It is 13-13-13 and says it will not burn and works for 9 months.
I got it for it for the cyms and catts. When I got my catt I saw that it had the time release sprinkled around the plant. that was in Oct.. Can I fertilize now? Also, has anyone ever used time release on the Phals?
And I just repotted the catts and the new cymbidiums. they are done blooming now.
Oh, and one more thing. It says just sprinkle it on. I am a little afraid to do that especially with the cyms. I know is says it will not burn, But I would feel better putting it around the edges instead of on top of the old and new growth.
Thanks, Becky

Ray · #2 02-15-2011, 10:53 AM

The so-called "controlled releae" fertilizers are controlled primarily by temperature, not time or watering frequency. I hope the manufacturer or seller had the sense to give you the time/temp relationship.

For example, the CR versions of the Greencare MSU fertilizers will last 9 months at 60°F, but only 2 months at 90°.

You're probably OK using the stuff now, but it is better to sprinkle it on the medium, not on the plant parts.

Vanda lover · #3 02-15-2011, 11:32 AM

I've used Smartcoat time release on my Cyms and it works well. I just sprinkle it all around the plant. I also give the odd feed with regular fertilizer and only apply the time release once in the spring.

tucker85 · #4 02-15-2011, 11:45 AM

Dynamite 13-13-13 in the red can is very popular here in South Florida. Now is a good time to use it because you want it to be used up by fall when orchids need less fertilizer. I have used it alone or in combination with a light dose of water soluble fertilizer in a foliar spary during the summer growing season. I have used it on phals. and it seemed to work well. I have never heard of it burning plants. I use a rounded teaspoon for a 5" - 6" pot. Some growers around here put it in an herb bag or small net bag and place it on top of the medium. That way they can remove it at the end of the summer. I don't really like that approach because it concentrates the fertilizer in one small area. I prefer to sprinkle it evenly across the medium.

Vanda lover · #5 02-15-2011, 12:54 PM

I have hear that Osmecote is bad for orchids, Nutricote is good. All I have been able to find here is Smartcote, and I don't know if that one is safe for Spathoglotis or not, but I use it on the Cyms.
I agree with tucker about how to use the time release. I just recently put some on my plants.

JerseyGirlBecky · #6 02-15-2011, 01:00 PM

I understand it is the equivalent of Nutricote. And Ray, it does say at soil temp. 70% s.
I found it at Home Depot. They were just putting it out. Got a great bargain. It scanned at one cent? Don't know the reason but she said she has to sell it to me for that. Soooo. Great bargain.
Becky

BobInBonita · #7 02-16-2011, 01:31 AM

I'm running to Home Depot tomorrow - that's a great price.

I used Dynamite (red top) for several years. It worked very well for growing outside in summer and exposed to frequent rains. Last year I thought I would take control and use a soluble fertilizer. Didn't work nearly as well for me. Plants were often wet from rain when I would have fertilized, so I waited until the next day, but they were wet from rain again. At end of season they just didn't look good. I had heard at an orchids class that you should use 3-4 pellets per inch diameter of pot and that is what I actually did successfully. When I ran into the grower who had made the recomendation and asked about it, he said it was very unofficial, but if he suggested teaspoon quantities, people would always over-fertilize. By giving a strict number of pellets, he felt people avoided orchid gluttony.

I've since expanded into Vandas, and will probably use the mesh/cloth/pantyhose bags because I don't know how else to keep fertilizer in the root zone of plants grown bare root in baskets.

WhiteRabbit · #8 02-16-2011, 01:42 AM

I use slow release fert in my cyms with good results. Sprinkle around on the media - not the plants themselves.

Vanda lover · #9 02-16-2011, 11:16 AM

I put a little sphahnum moss and some lumps of charcoal in the basket with my vanda. This keeps it from drying out so quickly, so I only have to water every 3rd day, but I have never had the nerve to put time release in with it. I figure that since I have to water often anyway, it's no bother to use the water soluble kind. It works fine for Vandas.