How much fertilizer?

[terryros]

The fertilizer concentration also depends on how frequently you water/feed. Ray waters/feeds frequently with the 25 ppm N concentration. If you are watering/feeding only every 7-10 days, then you need a higher concentration of N for your feed. I don't think everyone commenting has been specific about their feeding frequency.

[bil]

Originally Posted by terryros

The fertilizer concentration also depends on how frequently you water/feed. Ray waters/feeds frequently with the 25 ppm N concentration. If you are watering/feeding only every 7-10 days, then you need a higher concentration of N for your feed. I don't think everyone commenting has been specific about their feeding frequency.

Good point. However, I have to admit, last winter I was lazy and never got round to upping the fertiliser for the phals when they went from sumer 3x a week to winter 1x a week.
They didn't seem to notice, and are flowering well this summer.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by bil

Good point. However, I have to admit, last winter I was lazy and never got round to upping the fertiliser for the phals when they went from sumer 3x a week to winter 1x a week.
They didn't seem to notice, and are flowering well this summer.

I have routinely considered that by reducing the feeding and watering frequency in winter, I was mimicking the conditions that many of my plants see in nature. However, Bil's comment makes me think that even at the very low concentrations, I was routinely giving the plants a lot more fertilizer than they needed.

Since moving, I have been a poor "orchid dad," and I'll bet my plants haven't been fed more than once a month, yet all are growing and many blooming quite nicely.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have routinely considered that by reducing the feeding and watering frequency in winter, I was mimicking the conditions that many of my plants see in nature. However, Bil's comment makes me think that even at the very low concentrations, I was routinely giving the plants a lot more fertilizer than they needed.

Since moving, I have been a poor "orchid dad," and I'll bet my plants haven't been fed more than once a month, yet all are growing and many blooming quite nicely.

Dammit Ray, have you been getting us to use high levels of fertiliser?

All kidding aside, does that mean you will be recommending lower levels?