WHAT IS THE BEST ORCHID FERTILIZER

[Mainwaring]

I use Akerne's Rain Mix, a MSU like fertiliser at half dosage every watering, and once a month I add a teaspoon Epsom salt. I use a 90% RO and 10% tap water mix.

I started with rain mix 6 months ago and so far I've been blessed with more orchids flowering then before. The flowering is also richer since before.

I will never go back to my old fertilizer.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Whimgrinder

I'd like to see documentation of that! I'm not challenging your statement, I just want to see the research, please.

This is the research paper:
https://www.researchgate.net/publica...gh_their_roots

[Leafmite]

I have been using water from the goldfish tub this winter to water my plants, including the orchids, and the results have been very good (I grow under lights). I keep eggshells in the pots for extra calcium, too. In February, though, I will probably begin adding a little MSU fertilizer once a week and, after the plants go outside in April, I will add a bit of Ironite and Calcium to the watering can when I water. Now and then I add Epsom salts or a seaweed mixture. Because of my medium and water, it took a little experimenting. I don't use tap water (the fish get distilled or rain water) and my medium is LECA or red lava rock. I grow under lights during the winter and outside during the summer. Your water and medium will have some influence on what fertilizer/additives works best for you. Even how often the orchids get water (heavy rains vs. drier conditions) can make a difference.

[bil]

Thought I had replied, but it has vanished.

I use Ray's K lite at a very low level every watering, and a splash of kelp every month.

The results are pretty good so far.

[Ray]

I believe that the most valuable response to the OP's question is this:

The best orchid fertilizer is the one you use sparingly, consistently, and regularly.

While formular variations may make a difference, unless it is WAY out-of-reasonable bounds, I believe they may be classified as "fine tuning". That said, the feeding regimen must be complete, with all macro-, secondary-, and micronutrients.

I think folks do more harm overfeeding than underfeeding.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

I think folks do more harm overfeeding than underfeeding.

I'll bet money on it.

[Leafmite]

I think it is very important to know plants and what exactly you are observing in the leaves. Orchids tend to be slow to show what they are missing, unlike most of my other plants. But, I usually go very light on the MSU fertilizer but never on the Calcium (once you have lost most of your collection to Calcium deficiency, you never make that mistake again....)

[theloyalplum]

I use MSU for Rain at a very low dosage at every watering. I flush once a month.

[Amanda L]

TBH, this is really a matter of preference. I use a 1/4 dilution of a balance fert., I can't recall the brand. It is probably one I got from CalWest a long time ago. I also am not one to fertilize regularly. So, my 'chids, poor 'chids, get a 1/4 dilution of a 20-20-20 fertilizer when I remember to fertilize and feel like it.
I'm also all about the SuperThrive. I also use a 1/4 dilution of that (1/4 tsp to 1 gal of water). Too much SuperThrive can cause your plants to grow weird. I think, and I could be wrong, that the SuperThrive is the only reason all of my 'chids haven't dropped dead from the neglect they endure. It's survival of the fittest in my house.

---------- Post added at 12:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 PM ----------

I do use either distilled water, or filtered water to water my 'chids. I don't want the buildup that occurs with city water. Though in a pinch I will run tepid tap water through the pot.

---------- Post added at 12:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 PM ----------

HA!! Grow More Yellow is the fertilizer I use!
Sorry, I got excited when I found it.

[thezeeester]

Originally Posted by Kseniya

I use MSU RO/Rain/Tap Water Formula for 2 weeks on third week i use Quantum-Orchid and forth week just flush with water. It works good for my orchids, it appears they like it, just listen to your orchids they will tell you.

Where can I find these. Please

---------- Post added at 07:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

Thanks where can I find these

---------- Post added at 07:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 PM ----------

Thank you where can I find these