Growing orchids with only organic fertilisers - Orchid Board

THOMAS · #1 08-01-2007, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty

Should you feel the need to introduce yourself, this is the place to do it. It is not manditory by any means, but if you want to, go for it.

Hello,

I am thomas from India I have Phaleonopsis,Cattelya,Dendrobium with other tropical orchids,I like to grow them using organic menures only in natural way.In this respect can anyone guide me ?

cb977 · #2 08-01-2007, 09:10 AM

Hi Thomas...welcome to Orchidboard

I moved your post to a different forum so more members will see it and have the chance to help you

We've got many members who grow their 'chids using a number of different "teas" and such...I'm sure you'll get some new information here

shakkai · #3 08-01-2007, 09:44 AM

Hi Thomas! What part of India are you in? I lived in Bangalore for 2 years (2004/2005) and had a wonderful time in your country.

What do you grow your orchid in? As often this determines what type of fertiliser should be used...

Welcome to Orchid Board!!

THOMAS · #4 08-01-2007, 11:36 AM

Dear Shakkai,
Happy to know you lived in India,I am in Pondicherry,former
French territory.I grow all my orchids in charcol media only,
spraying chemical fertilsers.We are an N G O I am interested to intrduce orchids in villages for additional income.

shakkai · #5 08-01-2007, 12:02 PM

Thomas, You might find more natural fertilisers from someone in Auroville - they are quite big on that. I'll have a look around and see if I can find some other suggestions.

I never made it to Pondicherry, though friends really like the place. We travelled in Kerala, and also visited cities like Hyderabad, Dehli, and Chennai.

I think its a great idea to grow orchids in the villages. If successful, it could provide a nice additional income, you are right.

You've certainly got the right climate - have you tried Vandas?

I will get back to you when I find links to the information I remember. In the mean time, I'm sure others here will have suggestions as well!

THOMAS · #6 08-02-2007, 02:39 AM

SHAKKAI,
It all started in 80's when we tried to find some alternative
cash crop for marginal famers(those who have few square
metres of land) I tried in floriculture,and zeroved in Dendrobium phaleonopsis,cattelia,and phaleonopsis.
This summer I have not sprayed any chemical fertiliser simply let the roots get washed,in July I gave a dose of
Pseudo monophos,Azos perilium and phospho bacterium.
These last two are lignite based,by the end of the month
the result was very encouraging.Yesterday I sprayed with a fermented organic fertiliser and waiting for the outcome.I welcome any suggestion from you and your
friends.
My collection consist: 30 Phaleonopsis -45 cattelyas
more than 500 D. phaleonopsis plus other Tropical Orchids.

THOMAS · #7 08-02-2007, 02:42 AM

[QUOTE=THOMAS;47673]SHAKKAI,
It all started in 80's when we tried to find some alternative
cash crop for marginal famers(those who have few square
metres of land) I tried in floriculture,and zeroved in Dendrobium phaleonopsis,cattelia,and phaleonopsis.
This summer I have not sprayed any chemical fertiliser simply let the roots get washed,in July I gave a dose of
Pseudo monophos,Azos perilium and phospho bacterium.
These last two are lignite based,by the end of the month
the result was very encouraging.Yesterday I sprayed with a fermented organic fertiliser and waiting for the outcome.I welcome any suggestion from you and your
friends.
My collection consist: 30 Phaleonopsis -45 cattelyas
more than 500 D. phaleonopsis plus other Tropical Orchids.

boxerfan · #8 08-02-2007, 04:25 AM

Welcome Thomas and what a great idea to grow orchids as a "crop". I use a combination of chemical fertilizers and "Worm Tea", made from the castings of composting worms. Truthfully, I have only been using the worm tea for about 6 weeks (I've only been growing orchids for about 4 months), but I think it makes a difference. I have 16 orchids including 9 Phals., 1 Brassia, 1 Brassidium, 2 Paphs and 3 Oncidium intergenerics. Hope you find the information you need, You may also want to check out the Orchid Geeks Forum. Many people there are interested in using natural fertilizer, in particular worm tea. Lisa

Gladys47 · #9 08-02-2007, 09:58 AM

I've been using horse manure tea. Too early for results yet but all looks well a few weeks i !Gladys

paphlovian · #10 08-02-2007, 10:49 AM

I am interested in investigating organic fertilizers and would like to know more about these "teas" you're talking about. How are they made and where do you get your supplies?