Fertilizing a Masdevallia "Speckled Treasure"

[superstring]

Hi All, first post.

I recently took over the care of a Masd. "Speckled Treasure" from a young friend who wasn't having a lot of luck with it.

I re-potted it in a (predominantly) fir bark medium, trimming off the dead roots in the process. It's been doing relatively well, putting out three new healthy leaves so far. I water it every other day and (doing a bit of research) I found most advise fertilizing once or twice a month. What I don't know is whether this means fertilizing at "full strength" or diluted. In the meantime I've been fertilizing every two weeks with Schultz's Orchid Food (15-5-5) at the recommended concentration. However the "recommended concentration" is meant for "every time you water".

What do y'all think? Should I up the frequency of the Schultz or (maybe) switch to something else?

Thanks!

[DeaC]

Have always been told they are not heavy feeders so when I do feed,it's diluted by at least half and with cooler weather coming I probably won't do at all. More experienced growers will give you a better answer for sure.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! You can use the Search feature in the menu above and type in the name of your plant, then read lots of threads on how other people grow it. If you can't find the exact hybrid name, look up other Masdevallias. I don't grow them so I can't help you beyond that.

[superstring]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board! You can use the Search feature in the menu above and type in the name of your plant, then read lots of threads on how other people grow it. If you can't find the exact hybrid name, look up other Masdevallias. I don't grow them so I can't help you beyond that.

Thanks for the replies.

Yep, I did a search before I posted. I wasn't able to find the exact info I'm looking for.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by superstring

Thanks for the replies.

Yep, I did a search before I posted. I wasn't able to find the exact info I'm looking for.

Saw something else for you. Go to orchidculture.com and find Orchid Species Culture Sampler. The Bakers put together this great site and some info is by subscription only BUT Masdevallia datura(part of your plants parentage) can be accessed for free,along with other species.It's quite detailed but well worth the visit.

[superstring]

Originally Posted by DeaC

Saw something else for you. Go to orchidculture.com and find Orchid Species Culture Sampler. The Bakers put together this great site and some info is by subscription only BUT Masdevallia datura(part of your plants parentage) can be accessed for free,along with other species.It's quite detailed but well worth the visit.

This is great! Thanks very much, DeaC!

---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------

BTW I ASSUME that Shultz's Orchid Food is already at the correct dilution and should not be diluted further like a "regular" general purpose fertilizer. Am I correct?

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by superstring

This is great! Thanks very much, DeaC!

---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------

BTW I ASSUME that Shultz's Orchid Food is already at the correct dilution and should not be diluted further like a "regular" general purpose fertilizer. Am I correct?

You're welcome but read what they say on fertilizing and check the numbers on the Shultz product or whatever else you choose to use.