cymbidium fertilizer/ vanda use

[pjoeverett]

I live in Ohio and we've had a dreary summer in the north. My 3 cymbidiums are outside trying to get sun and I am using a 30-10-10 fertilizer now ...should I wait awhile before going to the 6-25-25 still getting new growths. And, can I use either of these on vandas or should I just stick with the 17-9-18 ??? no signs of spiking at all and usually I have a couple vandas blooming in the summer months. Also read that I should water vandas and then fertilize. Do you agree?

[james mickelso]

I would drop the fertilizer you are using and use a balanced 20-20-20 with added calcium/magnesium. When I use a split schedule of fertilizer it is because the orchids have been reluctant to bloom for awhile. Other wise I use a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20. I get Ray's Cal/Mag as a supplement. I also go to the local hydroponics store and get their Cal/Mag supplement. If.....you want to continue to use a split schedule of fertilizers, I would use it when the pbulbs have matured in the case of cyms and then switch. I'm not a vanda guy so can't offer experience. I've grown them and flowered them but it's not quite warm enough where I live to grow them well. I know they need good temps and lots of light. And water the crap out of them when hot.

[Cym Ladye]

Keep in mind that everyone answering this thread will have a different recommendation. That said: Being in Ohio, your growth season is shorter than ours here in Ca. for Cymbidiums. I have used 30-10-10 with a switch to the 6-30-30 in the past in mid August, but prefer the MSU formula (Michigan State University) 18-4-22 all year long. This Ray carries, but if I were you, I see no reason not to continue with the 17-9-18 formula you have ALL YEAR LONG for as long as it lasts. When you run out, buy the MSU.

For your area, I would cut the dosage in half around mid September, and certainly if you bring them inside.

Vandas are not my thing so you will have to wait for a vanda person to chime in on this genus, but I do not see why you can just continue on as you have been with this genus too.

[pjoeverett]

Thank-you so much.....really a trick to get orchids to bloom here. I think I will just continue to use the MSU fertilizer. I so hope to get spikes this winter. Many of my phals chose not to bloom last year. So nice to see some color in the dead of winter.

[hanzy08]

vandas don't mind the ratio of fertilizer as long as it is provided to them. high light levels and daily drenching is more crucial to this genus.