Should I be fertilizing my Orchids ?

[DenmanNJ]

I just noticed, and realized that my Paphs. have not bloomed in over a year. They were all acquired in bud/spike and since that 1st blooming, they have not bloomed since. Should I be using fertilizer on them this time of year ??

Also, I have a Ang. didieri that hasn't bloomed, but is growing. But I am really concerned about my Paphs - I have 2 hybrids, and a Paph niveum, Paph bellatulum, Paph concolor (currently in bloom), but realized I have never really used fertilizer on them (for fear of burning the roots, I guess)....

Any advice from anyone is appreciated.

[Ray]

Yes, feed them.

Divide 4 by the %N on your fertilizer label, and the result is the teaspoons per gallon for 50 ppm N. I feed at that rate two- to three times a week.

[Bill U.]

Definitely feed them! It may be a very good chance that they have not flowered due to pure starvation! If you haven't eaten in a year, you wouldn't be able to run a marathon, so it is understandable that they have not re-bloomed.

I would follow Ray's suggestions for fertilizing, and if you keep it up, you may be surprised with the growth you will get!

[The Orchid Boy]

Definitely fertilize, but lightly. Ray's K-lite fertilizer is, in my opinion, the best orchid fertilizer.

[Cym Ladye]

I concur - yes, but lightly. If growing outside in temperate zones, when you get a break in the weather and the days are brighter and warmer.

[gardengirl13]

I used miracle grow orchid formula sparingly and no one did much. I then switched to a better fert and everyone has new growth of some kind, ranging from roots to spikes.