Feeding and Supplements

[Matorchid]

Hello all,

Basically I have a question. The question is how much of epsom salts ddo I use per one gallon of the feeding mixture. Does this also apply to oyster shells(dry form) or is there a different ratio.


Thank you everyone

[Leafmite]

I usually just add a pinch of Epsom salts if I am using it every week or a teaspoon once a month.
The oyster shell I bought was large enough that I just sprinkled it on top of my medium and let it slowly release the calcium. I use eggshells now.
Good luck.

[PaphLover]

What are epsom salts used for? I understand the oyster and egg shells.

[Matorchid]

Thank you very much Leafmite,
Cool will try both methods, right now

[Dante1709]

Originally Posted by PaphLover

What are epsom salts used for? I understand the oyster and egg shells.

Epsom salts are used for magnesium and sulfur, since they are magnesium sulfate.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Matorchid

The question is how much of epsom salts ddo I use per one gallon of the feeding mixture.

Epsom Salts is magnesium sulfate septahydrate. I have used anywhere from a teaspoon per gallon to two tablespoons per gallon as a fertilizer additive on a monthly basis. Depending upon where you live and your water supply, you may not need to add it at all. I use RO water, so use a fertilizer formula that already contains Mg & Ca.

Originally Posted by Matorchid

Does this also apply to oyster shells(dry form) or is there a different ratio.

Oyster shell is not water soluble, so a little used as a top dressing is going to last a very long time. Again, your water supply may already have plenty.

I'll throw out an editorial comment here: It is best NOT to focus on a chemical route to better orchid growing. Nutrition is WAY down the "Maslow's hierarchy" of needs, and overfeeding, or using a poorly proportioned feeding regimen will do more harm than good.

[Orchid Whisperer]

You don't need that much Ca or Mg when you provide it, even though both elements are essential. As Ray mentioned, it is always good to know what your water supply is providing first.

Assuming that "Sacto" in your location means you are somewhere in the Sacramento, CA area, I just Googled "sacramento water report" (in the USA, substitute the name of any city for Sacramento to get that city's water report instead). The first link that comes up is a recent water report. The surface (river) water that forms most of the water supply is low in Ca and Mg, also low dissolved solids. You are probably safe adding some Ca and Mg to your water.

To a gallon of water, I add 1 teaspoon pelleted gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) for lawns (you could also use plaster of Paris, which is Gypsum with the water driven off by heating). It will dissolve overnight. Add a teaspoon Epsom salts (dissolves rapidly). Decant the liquid into another container, dispose of the solids.

I add several ounces of the saved liquid to my fertilizer water to provide Ca and Mg, as well as S.

[Cym Ladye]

Although I completely agree with Ray, if you are intent on adding Ca and Mg, may I suggest you look into Cal/Mag Plus liquid made by Botanicare and available through Amazon. For years I went with the Epsom salts/oyster shell supplement program added to my fertilizer and or mix. For the last year, I have used the CAL/Mag plus and will never go back to the old "hit or miss way" again.

Depending on the fertilizer you are using and genera you are growing, Ray can recommend the amount of this product to use on orchids. He may even have it on his web site. Check it out.

That said, most orchids and especially Cyms will do just fine with only a quality fertilizer used on a regular basis if you are a hobbyist. So much more goes into good results with your orchids than fertilizer additives.

[Matorchid]

Thank you Ray and Orchid whisperer and everyone else that has posted to help me out,

Ok first off I definetley was thinking that it might be a deficiency in nutrition, but I am not so sure now. Alot of my Phals. Were showing the purple underside of the leaves when I spoke to a friend without looking at my collection he stated I prolly was lacking those minerals, and to add them. He didnt explain how much, or ask about anything else. Well im thinking good I will add some lite and ese supplements and all will be good. Well this morning I woke to do regimine, and found a leaf yellowing and green rings. And while seperating him noticed a big diffrrence in collection. Looking this stuff up on this forum brought me to my conclusion I have now, and with that I will end this post for now move to proper area as not to waste this valuable space on this area of the forums.
As it stands now I'm afraid, very afraid of things to come.
Thank you again, I will be over diseases area of the forums. You are all invited to see me over there, and post your input.

[NYCorchidman]

Purple underside of phal leaves are very common actually. Many phals with concolor flowers(most often I see this on yellow flower with red lip or white flower with red lip) as well as solid color like magenta and pink come in dark glossy leaves whose underside is dark purple. This is normal for these hybrids.
Thought I would add my two cents.