Orchid Rehab, Fertilizer and Seaweed Extract
Hi Folks,
I was fortunate enough to be gifted several very mature NOID Cattleyas that were once thriving but fell on hard times. Irregular watering and chewing roaches led to dead roots and poor leaf growth. However, the psuedobulbs, though shriveled, seem to still have life. Nothing is brown or yellow-dead. At least, what was dead was removed when the plants were broken up and repotted.
Now it's a waiting game to see what lives and what doesn't. Time will be the judge on that one, for sure. Frankly, I'll be thrilled if half of the five or so divisions make it. One is already putting out two new psuedobulbs in opposite directions already, so there's hope.
My question is about seaweed extract and fertilization schedules. From what I gather, seaweed extract promotes new root growth on actively growing plants. Mine are kind of in a purgatory. They need new roods, but from what I understand, growth will be somewhat slowed due to climate conditions.
Pertinent Info-
We're experiencing typical winter climates here in Memphis, and the plants are living in front of a (relatively) bright, south-facing window with no signs of sunburn. Humidity is hanging around 50%. Daytime temps are in the mid 60s (cloudy) to low 70s (sunny) during the day and low 60s at night. I'm watering my other Catts weekly and they are drying out between wateings. Winter fertilization includes monthly applications of 1/2 tsp. of Miracle Gro per gallon of water.
1- Should I apply seaweed extract when I'm watering to promote new growth? If yes, how often? Weekly? Every other week? Monthly?
2- Should I fertilize the way that I'm fertilizing my other plants? Everything seems to be holding up really well, so I think the healthy plants are healthy. I'm mostly concerned about burning new root growth on the sick plants with the addition of fertilizer. However, it's a weak concentration to begin with.
Thanks for the help!
Shep
Edit to add: I tried adding pics of the plants, but it looks like I'm restricted.
Last edited by Shep; 12-17-2014 at 03:50 PM..
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