Fertilizing plants in sphagnum

[bethmarie]

I've been told by a couple of growers to fertilize orchids growing in moss at 1/2 to 1/4 the concentration used for orchids in bark/other mediums because moss retains more fertilizer and it can build up and possibly harm the roots.

I fertilize at 30 ppm Nitrogen at almost every watering. Do I need to lower the concentration even more for my plants in moss? Fertilize less often?

[orchidsarefun]

I use Buffaloam ( 1-1-1 ) at every watering with a general fertiliser roughly every 6 weeks. I do however ensure that water runs out the bottom of the pots once a month. I think you should adjust your regime - that said, are you having good results with 30ppm ? If so, then why change ? You should be doing a drench watering regularly anyway.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by bethmarie

I fertilize at 30 ppm Nitrogen at almost every watering. Do I need to lower the concentration even more for my plants in moss? Fertilize less often?

No. No.

[bethmarie]

Thanks, Ray. Much appreciated.