Oncs and fertilizer - Orchid Board

Pilot · #1 07-01-2012, 08:23 PM

Does it matter what fertile I use for my Oncidiums? I have resolved to grow them outside the rest of the summer to ensure they get loads of high, indirect light but dang it's got! So I need to water them more often and as I grow all of my houseplants in sh, I have to fertilize often. I want to know if the Oncs can use miracle grow out of the hose like the others can or if they have dietary needs such as urea free? Thanks!

WhiteRabbit · #2 07-03-2012, 01:14 AM

I'm not aware of any special fertilizer requirements. I used to use urea based fertilizer, and didn't have any problems with Oncidiums.

RosieC · #3 07-05-2012, 10:29 AM

I just use the same fertiliser as for all the other orchids. I try to aim for a balanced one and use Ray's mixing calculator for strength, then just use it on almost all of them.

Pilot · #4 07-05-2012, 11:02 AM

Thanks you two...

I ask the question only because with the Oncs being outside, they don't get dried out fast and get watered twice or more a day and usually one of those is a quick shot of fertilized water from the hose like the rest of my outside plants get. The Oncs aren't in direct sun but you can tell the high light of my altitude has gotten their attention. The leaves are slightly paler than before but they're still growing just fine.

I'm a phal guy but I have to admit, I love my Oncs.

Rowangreen · #5 07-07-2012, 09:17 AM

I think the general rule is that orchids get watered much weaker than other plants. If they are doing fine though... I think yellowing leaf tips can be a sign of overfertilizing? I'd also make sure they get a flush of fertilizer free water on a regular basis to make sure the salts don't build up in the pots.

Pilot · #6 07-07-2012, 10:15 AM

Yes I'm sure not to let them get too much fertilizer. The device I use allows me to set the dilution so I make sure it's not too much in terms of what my other house plants get. The plants have responded well to being outside. They're on a cart the wheels in and out of the house easily. I love in Colorado where the wx can be difficult at times so I can bring them all in quickly enough if a storm approaches.