Nitrogen question

[eggshells]

I use dynagro 7-9-5. It's complete fertilizer too with calcium and magnesium.

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Slobo

Thanks Philip and Tucker,
Unfortunately here in Canada they are not obligated to specify detailed analysis.

Thank you Keith for the photo of the label. This is exactly what we don't have here, analysis of the elements in fertilizers. From your photo I see the breakdown as

4.4% Amonical N
1.2% Nitrate N
13.4% Urea N

So, now based on everything I learnt on this site as well as on the other sites, I start to wander if I should stop using this fertilizer and use something else.

Any suggestion to this now confused soul.

Thanks,

Slobo

A commercial grower who gave a presentation at our orchid society meeting said that any fertilizer is better than none. Also nitrogen is not the only nutrient that orchids get from the fertilizer. Urea does not hurt orchids in any way, it's just that the nitrogen in urea is not very available to the plant.
So, bottom line, there's probably nothing wrong with using your fertilizer until it's gone and then look for a fertilizer that has most or all it's nitrogen from nitrate. Another option would be to get a new fertilizer now and alternate between the two. In other words I hate to see you throw away the money you spent on that fertilizer.
Fertilizers for orchids should also contain micronutrients.

[Slobo]

Thanks for your response eggshells,

If you dot't mind, like to ask you additional questions:

-how long have you been using this fertilizer
-are you happy with the results
-what is the amount of fert dissolved per gallon of water
-how frequently you apply fertilizer

Thanks,

Slobo

[Slobo]

Hi tucker,

Excellent idea, I think that is exactly what I'm going to do.
Start using new fertilizer and alternate it with the old one.

Slobo

[eggshells]

I use 1/4 tsp per gallon. And I apply it once a week. I also use kelp fertilizer in addition to the solution. I grow just paphs and they are light feeders so that dilute solution works best for me. I prefer applying dilute solution but regularly. I've used it for the past two years and I'm very happy with it.

There is no urea in dynagro. The nitrogen content is readily available to the plants.

[eggshells]

You don't have to throw your urea fertilizer. You can use it in your garden and soil pot plants as well.

[Slobo]

Thanks so much four the info eggshells. I just bought some seaweed extract and I'm planing to use it as a supplement to regular fert. Hope this will help to my plants.

Slobo

[keithrs]

I would suggest looking into a product called K-lite sold by Firstrays... Ray is here on the site often and can answer ?'s you may have.

I use it and have seen good results..

I'm not sure if you grow outdoors... If you do than I would also suggest using worm/bactria teas with your kelp product. I have noticed a huge increase in root growth and health using teas.

[euplusia]

I've seen good results at other growers with the green Urea-free Premium Orchid Food manufactured by Grow More in Gardena, Ca 90248. Its a 20-10-20 with micronutrients.
I bought me 1.25 LBS and combine it alternating with MSU and other fertilizers.

[Slobo]

Thanks Keith,

I very often visit Ray's site. I do believe that the products he sells are highly regarded by the orchid growing hobbyists, but the shipping cost and especially brokerage fees are horrendously high to bring anything into Canada from States.

I grow my plants indoor. Don't have any experiance with wormbacteria tea products. Is this something that is not smelly and can be used in the house?

Thanks,

Slobo