switched my medium to clay pebbles with phals

[The Orchidist]

Now that i have switched my medium to clay pebbles , I am wondering about fertilizing and feeding methods , how does the plant get what it needs if it does not absorb as well as the previous bark/ spag moss method . Do i simply add more as i water it ,and how often I am using the orchid feed food from schultz 19-31-17 . and i am using filtered water for my setup ionized water at a p.h of 6.0 .

My lighting is T5 from an Aerogarden unit , i have it set for 16 hrs on at this time and lights are 12 inches above the leaves .

If you can suggest better method of feeding scheduale or lighting timing it would be appreciated .

[Vanda lover]

I just feed when I water. It is no different than any other media but it is a good idea to give it a good flushing with clear water once a month or so.
You live in our old neighbourhood. We lived west of Stratford [near Dublin] for years.

[tucker85]

I recently found out two interesting things about fertilizer. First, the plant absorbs most of the nutrients that it will absorb, during the first 20-30 minutes after fertilizing. Second, plants have the ability to concentrate and store nutrients in their tissues, for use later when it's needed. To me, that means that nutrients do not need to be constantly available at the roots and that light doses of fertilizer at frequent intervals makes sense.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I recently found out two interesting things about fertilizer. First, the plant absorbs most of the nutrients that it will absorb, during the first 20-30 minutes after fertilizing. Second, plants have the ability to concentrate and store nutrients in their tissues, for use later when it's needed. To me, that means that nutrients do not need to be constantly available at the roots and that light doses of fertilizer at frequent intervals makes sense.

I will mostly agree with Tucker on this.

Because most orchids in nature will see the highest concentration of nutrients immediately after it starts raining and they come cascading down from the jungle canopy, the velemen has adapted to capture nutrient ions instantly, so they will not be diluted or washed away by the continuing rainfall. From what I have read, 20-30 minutes might be an over-estimation of that "active absorption" period.

He is also right that the plants do store nutrients for later use, but unfortunately, that's not true for all of them. There are probably others, but I do know that calcium and boron are not translocatable within the plant, so in order to supply them to new growth, they must be actively absorbed from the outside.

However, that 100% supports Tucker's assessment about the benefit of frequent, dilute application, and that is something I subscribe to - my plants are getting about 35 ppm N, 2- to 3 times a week - using a fertilizer that has a complete range of macro-, minor-, and trace elements - and seem to be loving it.

[Vanda lover]

I agree.

[The Orchidist]

I have it setup with a small plastic container underneath the clear pots , and was wondering if the pot sitting in the water with nutes is a good thing , the nute solution is light blue , will the water evap upwards towards the roots as needed , or should i just do a good water/ feed flush and leave it for 4 or 5 days . there is some good info in tuckers post , always good to learn new stuff .

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by sg2100

I have it setup with a small plastic container underneath the clear pots , and was wondering if the pot sitting in the water with nutes is a good thing , the nute solution is light blue , will the water evap upwards towards the roots as needed , or should i just do a good water/ feed flush and leave it for 4 or 5 days . there is some good info in tuckers post , always good to learn new stuff .

What you are suggesting sounds like Semi-hydroponics which is a growing method developed by Ray. Take a read at his site on the subject.