Ca + Mg question

[Slobo]

Novice has question:

How do you know if the orchid (phal) needs calcium and magnesium and if it is needed how do you add this two to your orchids.

I'm using Schultz fertilizer 19-31-17 diluted to the 125 ppm N (1/2 teaspoon/gal). In the listed elements there is no calcium and magnesium. I'm fertilizing my Phals weekly.

Thanks

Slobo

[Orchid126]

They say that calcium is in most tap water. I use epsom salts once a month for the magnesium. Jack Peters, mfg of Peters Fertilizers, said at the Parkside Orchid Fest a few years ago that you can't overdo on magnesium, that the plant will take what it needs and discard the rest.

[Slobo]

Thanks Orchid126,

Yeah, I've found some information on the web. They said 1/8 tspn of epsom salt per gallon of water every time one waters the plants.

Slobo

[camille1585]

Tap water provides most of it, but it depends on how hard your water is. My water is quite soft, so I supplement the plants in Ca and Mg.

[Slobo]

Thanks Camille, I don't know how hard our water here in Winnipeg is, but I'll try to find out.

Slobo

[Slobo]

Here are some of the informations submited by the City of Winnipeg Water Department:
-Conductivity uS/centimeter 150-180
-pH 7-7.73
-Total alkalinity ppM as calcium carbonate 53-85 average 70
-Total hardnes ppm as calcium carbonate 72-97 average 81
-Flouride ppM 0.76-0.97 average 0.84
-Calcium ppM average 21.4
-Magnesium ppM 5.59-6.81 average 6.04

So, I have no clue if this water is soft, hard or anything between.

Any opinion on this?

Thanks

Slobo

[mattryan]

I can't help you with your previous post, but I do know that calcium defiency shows in lighter margins around the leaf edges. I had some of my phals with it..I was also using the same fert as you. The fert that I use now still doesn't list cal or mag in them so I suppliment by using epsom salts once/mo. Be sure not to use with fertilizer. And I put eggshells in all my pots. So far all the new growth looks fine no more leaf margins. Hopefully someone can help you out more. It very hard to find the fert that other peeps use up here, unless you order it from the states.

Cheryl

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by mattryan

Be sure not to use with fertilizer. Cheryl

I've always used epsom salts when I fertilize. Why is there a problem with that?

[Slobo]

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks for your reply. That is good idea for calcium source. I totally agree about difficulty to find fertilizers you want here in Canada. I can't find lousy clear plastic pots around here, never mind anything else.

Do you mind to elaborate further on the use of epsom salt please. Why is not recommended to apply it with fertilizer?

Thanks,

Slobo

[TheJadeOrchid]

Sometimes your Water Company has a website and in the FAQ it can tell if you have Soft or Hard water. I just found that out by looking at my local water companies site and I have soft water.