baking soda fertilizer

[littleblue]

Because orchids are alkaline loving plants, is it okay to give them baking soda for a fertilizer?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by littleblue

Because orchids are alkaline loving plants...

That's a general statement that doesn't necessarily apply to all orchids.

Many orchids actually like it slightly acidic, but can handle a neutral pH (pH 5.0 - 7.0).

Some grow in extremely acidic conditions (pH 3.5)!

Others cannot grow in acidic conditions at all! Some actually must have an alkaline potting medium or they die (pH 7.5 - 8.5).

For certain orchids, however, pH is not an issue.

So it depends on what you're talking about.

With that said, I have no experience with baking soda as a fertilizer, so I cannot say anything in that regard.

[Vanda lover]

I've never heard of using baking soda, but many use epson salts.