Applying fertilizer...how should it be done?

[Seedling]

My eyes are falling out trying to find the answer to this question! I've looked everywhere (yes, Ray's too), and cannot find anything on HOW to apply the fertilizer to the orchid. I'm a couple years into this, and am not a regular fertilizer-er (obviously). Usually once per month via one gallon water jug, but have recently (ten days ago) divided a Catt (into 6 pieces!!!) and want to start fertilizing "weekly, weakly", now that I'm addicted totally (I've added a Vanda, an Oncidium, and an Intergeneric to the Phals and Catts I inherited from my mom, and love buying the half-dead Phals from the box stores and saving them!). Anyway, the question is - how do you apply the fertilizer? Mist the whole plant & roots? Watering can only to roots? Dunk? I'm feeling that a lot of the fertilizer just runs off with the watering can method, but unsure whether or not to spray the leaves too. Don't want to burn anything. Seems like you should spray the leaves too, since they feed through the leaves and roots...but don't know. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

[Seedling]

Seriously? No one can answer this???

[tucker85]

Any question about fertilizing will produce lots of differing opinions. This is one area where many growers have success with many different fertilizers and fertilizing methods. I grow all my orchids outdoors in South Florida so my method might not apply to your environment. I fertilize with 1/4 strength every weekend. I spray it on the plant with a fine spray, covering all the leaves and roots. I even do this with my phals even though they're supposed to be sensitive to water on the leaves. I usually spray all my orchids once and then go back and spray a second time. I also water lightly before I fertilize. Some people say not to do that. Naturally if you're growing indoors this will be a difficult method to use. Good luck.

[Seedling]

Thanks, Tucker! All of mine are outdoors too - I'm in SW Florida. I appreciate the info very much and actually just did almost exactly what you said. I didn't water first, but did use 1/4 strength fertilizer/water solution, and plan on keeping this up every Sunday through the summer. I really didn't think I was going to get an answer, so I jumped in with both feet. Patience is a virtue...but it's one I don't have... Lol! I kinda figured I'd never burned the leaves or anything before, so I should start slowly, but keep it steady - so that's what I'll do! They're all doing fine, I just didn't want to freak them out, ya know? Thanks again!!!

[Ray]

I had a discussion with Bill Argo on Friday (he's the guy that came up with the MSU formulas), and his experience tells him that the simple fact is that potting media tend to be such poor absorbers that at reasonable fertilizer concentrations, you're pretty much flushing the medium as completely as if you were just watering.

I think you'd have to go REALLY high to cause a chemical burn.

[Cym Ladye]

I grow cold tolerant orchids in pots, primarily Cymbidiums, outdoors in California and fertilize using the Syphonex 16/1 applicator system at a rate of 1/2 teasp to a gal. on a weekly basis. I apply with a water breaker on the hose end and not only run the solution into the pot until the water comes out the holes in the bottom, but I also make sure that the entire plant is thoroughly drenched.

I also use a slow release balanced fertilizer on the top of the pot when I re-pot so there is a residual on the top of many pots too in the 6 months from early spring to late summer.

CL

[Seedling]

Thanks, Ray & Cym! Your info is fabulous! I've promised all of my O's they'd get fed every Sunday, from now on. They all seem to be doing really well now, but I want to help them through the HOT summer, especially the ones I recently divided. I have one more Catt to divide, but want to see how I did on the last one before making any sudden moves Thanks again everyone! Cym - a slow release fertilizer TOO? I've read about people having good luck with Dynamite, etc., but didn't realize you could do both at once! I guess since since the liquid fertilizer is diluted into half strength it would be safe... I'm going to have to get some of that... Interesting...