No rain water but lots of snow, how about fertilizer?

[Ray]

Steven, I think almost all of us were taught that way. The trouble is that it's meaningless advice.

Half of what?

Half-strength of a 20-20-20 is equal to full strength 10-10-10. If folks take "half" at face value and don't think about the "of what" part, two individuals using those two formulas will be feeding at entirely different rates.

That's why it's best to talk in terms of actual concentrations, such as ppm N, which actually defines it.

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by Ray

Steven, I think almost all of us were taught that way. The trouble is that it's meaningless advice.

Half of what?

Half-strength of a 20-20-20 is equal to full strength 10-10-10. If folks take "half" at face value and don't think about the "of what" part, two individuals using those two formulas will be feeding at entirely different rates.

That's why it's best to talk in terms of actual concentrations, such as ppm N, which actually defines it.

Yeah, a totally "DUH" moment for sure.

[LinhT]

Just curious about more insight on MSU.....

There are some posts on another orchid forum about MSU not being the most ideal choice for use in the winter. Some person was complaining about how she could really tell the difference in the foliage when using MSU in the winter and wanted to know if there was something with a lower N. Anyone here have issues using MSU in the winter??

[Ray]

I have used it year-round, at every watering, with no flushing, for almost 5 years.

No problems whatsoever.

If you happen to participate in that other forum thread, I'd suggest inquiring into more of their cultural details. Fertilizer isn't the entire package.

[quiltergal]

Originally Posted by LinhT

Some person was complaining about how she could really tell the difference in the foliage when using MSU in the winter and wanted to know if there was something with a lower N.

What difference was she noticing? Everything I've got is growing like a weed, and the foliage looks great.

[LinhT]

Ray & Terri,

I'm not sure what kind of difference she noticed. I read it over again and it wasn't about the foliage, just "a difference" in general. Perhaps it had something to do with switching over from rain + tap to just RO in combo with the same type of MSU. Anyhoo, I try not to ask questions over there (they do not have a "beginner discussion") unless my orchid's life depends on it. Over here when people disagree it's nothing. When people have different opinions there, it's scaaaary. I guess my MSU shipped out today so I'm excited to give it a try. Thanks for all the helpful info from everyone!

[Ray]

Might I ask what forum you're referring to?

[LinhT]

Umm, I'd rather not say. It is very informative, just like this forum, alot of useful info in the posts over there. I think you use to post over there too. I'd just rather ask questions here because OB has a "beginner discussion".

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by LinhT

Umm, I'd rather not say. It is very informative, just like this forum, alot of useful info in the posts over there. I think you use to post over there too. I'd just rather ask questions here because OB has a "beginner discussion".

Suspicion confirmed. I just lurk there now.

[Ray]

The reason I asked was because there is a great variation in the quality of the info, depending upon which forum it is.

There is one in particular that is an excellent place to see poor-quality - sometimes simply "wrong" - information shared over and over.