Grow More Orchid Foods

[greensinthegarden]

I am trying to figure out which "color" orchid food I should be using. From what I can tell from my local store's website, it should be either the red one or the yellow one, but the balances are quite different and I am still quite new to growing orchids. Which would you recommend?

[vjo]

If 'Grow More' is the brand you are asking about I have never seen yellow or red coloring only green and blue. I think more information is needed, maybe a picture of the label...Jean

[Ray]

Most orchids would do well with a fertilizer containing more nitrate-, than ammonium nitrogen, and little-to-no urea.

If you believe analyses of what the rains wash down on the plants in nature, you'll want a formula that is high in total nitrogen, has moderate levels of P & K, and contains a wide range of minor elements.

There is a LOT of debate on "the best" formula, but my take is that almost any will be fine, provided it is applied regularly, and at very low concentrations.

Don't believe hype about "bloom boosters". There ain't no such thing.

[WhiteRabbit]

I've used the urea free formulation, which I think is 20-10-20 (blue? green? I don't remember). I'd recommend it.
It doesn't have much by way of trace elements (it DOES contain magnesium, unless it has changed). I water with tap water, and it was fine.

[greensinthegarden]

Originally Posted by vjo

If 'Grow More' is the brand you are asking about I have never seen yellow or red coloring only green and blue. I think more information is needed, maybe a picture of the label...Jean

Here is a screen shot of the 4 options.

[greensinthegarden]

Ray and Sonya - Thank you so much for your input!

It is good to know that the "bloom booster" products are more hype than science.

I also water with tap water, so your recommendation is appreciated!

[Ray]

Personally, I recommend the MSU fertilizers and a derivative, K-Lite, as they were formulated specifically for orchids. Mass-marketed stuff like Grow More products are just thrown together and labeled.

Buy powder versions, as - unless it has been changed - the only liquid "MSU" on the market is mislabeled as to its contents.

[Cym Ladye]

I used Grow More fertilizers for years and had excellent results. It is not about the colors but the percentage/ratio of ingredients as listed on the labels. I have since switched to MSU as many others have done, but I am not convinced that it is all that much better.

In my opinion, the best fertilizer is the one you actually use! The best fertilizer in the world, if left sitting on the shelf in your garage, is definitely NOT doing your orchids any good!

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

I used Grow More fertilizers for years and had excellent results. It is not about the colors but the percentage/ratio of ingredients as listed on the labels. I have since switched to MSU as many others have done, but I am not convinced that it is all that much better.

In my opinion, the best fertilizer is the one you actually use! The best fertilizer in the world, if left sitting on the shelf in your garage, is definitely NOT doing your orchids any good!

THIS!!! Yes! This!

I use BetterGro orchid plus. I can get it at my local hardware store. Is it the best? No. But... it's cheap and I do use it. I used the green Growmore stuff and I feel like I see better results with the Better Gro, but your mileage with anything will vary, depending on how you use it.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Urea-free, or even low urea formulations, are completely unnecessary. Orchids use urea just as efficiently and safely as other forms of nitrogen. This is a complete myth that keeps popping up. For those that are interested, PM me and I'll send a citation to published research on utilization of urea by orchids.