Fertilizer experiment

[Paul Mc]

I've been told that our water is actually really good for growing orchids. Guess that's why I've never considered it before as well. But the picture I saw made me a believer, thus the reason why I started doing it this year. We'll see...

Overall though, I've learned it doesn't take any extra time to do. Your going to be watering anyway, might as well ad the fertilizer, lol...

[james mickelso]

The air can suppy some nitrogen depending on your weather conditions and your water can supply a little of the trace elements needed but they will eventually die from lack offood. Ray can tell you a lot more about fertilizers.

[Paul Mc]

Actually, it was everyone here, including Ray that has convinced me. So thanks everyone. I can't wait to see the difference it will make!

[Ray]

Certainly feeding is important, but I have become increasingly convinced that "less is more" in that respect.

For one, the plants actually store a lot of nutrients, I suppose for that "rainy day" when there might be a shortage. I know one guy who fed calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate ONLY for 7 months, yet his plants showed absolutely no signs of deficiencies, and we've all heard of folks who claim their grandmother "never" fed her plants and they bloomed beautifully year after year.

I think a very little amount of everything, given often and regularly is akin to eating a moderate, but healthy diet - much better for health and longevity.

[Paul Mc]

I agree and have been following that. Weakly weekly, except for about every 3rd time when I just use plain water.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by goodgollymissmolly

Speechless

Ditto! "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink".

[keithrs]

I agree with Ray.... Less does seem to be more. I have been feeding @ 30-35 PPM N every watering.... I think that is less then what Ray feeds. I have had my best growth I have seen from my orchids... Hands down.

[Bud]

I am just happy that Paul decided to finally feed his orchids....YEEEEY!

[Paul Mc]

I'll admit, in the past I just did when I felt like it... Very rarely, lol... But after seeing and reading so much more about it, I'm getting it.

Keithr's then I think I may reduce how much I'm giving it. I've been putting a but less than 1/8th teaspoon in a gallon. What do you guys think?

[keithrs]

I'm not sure what fertilizer your using, but you can roughly calculate your ppms with Rays ppm calculator.

I would suggest using less then 50 ppm N.

Calculator

You will need to use decimals.... 1/8=.125 1/4=.25

I know how much of a hassle it is to mix a batch every watering. So I fill a trash can(32 gal.) with water(Ro in my case) and mix up big batches. I use a submersible pump with a fogg it nozzle to water my fertilizer. If you decide to go this rout then make sure you airate the solution to keep it mixed.