fertilization question

[mattryan]

again I have probably a dumb question. I am fairly new to growing orchids and have always used the same fertilizer 19 31 17 (it was only thing that I could find specifically for orchids). I only had phals...now I recently purchased 2 cyms and and a reed epi. and have been reading that they need a high nit fert spring and summer. So off I went to the nursery and got 30 12 12. Now I have 2 questions..firstly can I use this on all my orchids? And secondly if I use a high nit. fert. on flowering orchids will it cause the flowers to drop prematurely? Thanks again for the help, no idea how many orchids woulda killed besides the 6 if not for all the help here

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I would've said the first fertilizer you got was fine. But if you want specifics maybe someone else will provide better answers.

[Eyebabe]

The first number represents the nitrogen percentage in your formula and the second represents the phosphate. The third is the Potash.

If you want primarily to provide nutrition during growth, you use one that is balanced or slightly higher in nitrogen. The new one you purchased is a bit higher in nitrogen than I usually see. Also, for orchids, you would use 1/2 to 1/4 strength weekly or biweekly. "Orchid specific" fertilizers are usually lower percentages. For example Dyna-grow is 7-9-5.

The first fertilizer you had was stronger in phosphorous and is used to boost blooms
You would apply this as your plant is finishing its new root and leaf growth and during a month or two prior to a rest period (if your plant is one with a rest period). Again, I would use probably 1/4 strength weekly or biweekly.

Hope that's helpful!

[Orchid126]

Eyebabe is right on target. Nitrogen tells the plant to grow new leaves. You say you've been using 19-31-17. Did you get much bloom with it? The 30-12-12 will give you less with the high nitrogen, although you can use it for all your orchids. If you use it, wait til flowering is over and stop when buds are expected.

Fertilizer does not necessarily have to be specific for orchids. Miracle Grow Tomato fertilizer is an excellent fertilizer for orchids.

[mattryan]

Sorry have been so long to answer you back Orchid126, yes I did get re-blooms, not on all of them as I have only been at this for just over 1 1/2 yrs. But on my phals that I had good summer growth on I did get some spiking. I have 1 right now that is growing a spike. I am still trying to find out all their seasons as most of them are noids and they all were in vaious degrees of blooming when I acquired them.

[tucker85]

I agree with the good advice already given. High nitrogen fertilizers are often recommended for orchids grown in fir bark. Micro-organisms are abundant in fir bark as it ages and they use some of the nitrogen in the fertilizer. The high nitrogen fertilizer will theorectically provide nitrogen for both the orchid and the micro-organisms. Your 19-31-17 is a bloom booster fertilizer often used in the fall after growth slows. It's supposed to encourage blooming but there's disagreement on whether it works or not. I heard a talk by an award winning grower recently and he said he feels that any fertilizer is better than none. The orchid will get some of what it needs from it. During the summer, when orchids are growing, I fertilize once a week at 1/4 the recommended dose as Eyebaby already suggested. Good luck.