MSU Fertilizer (13-5-15-8Ca-2Mg) is a very good, general fertilizer, whose formula was based upon traditional horticulture, with additional calcium and magnesium. K-Lite (21-1-1-10Ca-3Mg) was derived specifically for epiphytes from that formula for us (a biologist in TN and I collaborated on the specs) by the guy who invented the original MSU stuff.
Here's a little blurb from the literature I include in shipments:
Ninety-five percent of a plant is water. Of the remaining five percent, the majority is carbon, hydrogen, oxygen (obtained from air and water), and nitrogen. All the other minerals, combined, amount to only about one percent of a plant’s mass. Based upon broad scientific data, including analyses of the water cascading down on epiphytes in tropical rainforests, K-Lite Orchid/Epiphyte Fertilizer seeks to provide a complete array of nutrients at levels and relative concentrations appropriate for the physiological demands of these unique plants.
Derived from the Greencare Orchid Special for RO Water formula (the original “MSU Fertilizer”), K-Lite Orchid/Epiphyte Fertilizer has reduced levels of both potassium and phosphorus. Studies have suggested that excessive potassium, whether applied-, obtained from-, or accumulated in growing media, can have a negative impact on the health of plants, especially in the absence of adequate calcium and magnesium. Excessive potassium can exacerbate deficiencies in those essential nutrients by preventing them from being adequately absorbed. Calcium and magnesium have been added to compensate for water supplies that do not contain sufficient quantities, while remaining compatible with those that do. Phosphorus is stored by plants in cell vacuoles, so is readily available to the plant without the application of excessive amounts.
I prefer K-Lite, but I will add that fertilizer is WAY down the list of cultural priorities for orchids.
Last edited by Ray; 04-28-2018 at 03:50 PM..
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