Fertilizing when in Bloom

[Zoren]

..This has been a question that I feel is debated all the time. Iv'e read different opinions on this subject, I'd like to get some suggestions and maybe even some answers to the age old question, YES fertilize in bloom or NO fertilizer when in bloom........Zoren...

[rbarata]

I have a certain tendency to reduce fertilization but I always fertilize everytime I water.

[Roberta]

It seems to me that blooming takes considerable energy... and that would not be a good time to "starve" a plant. I fertilize lightly at all times except during periods of dormancy for those plants that really have it when the plant isn't doing anything at all. But blooming and growing are not mutually exclusive, many orchids do both at the same time. In winter, watering and fertilizer are reduced for everything, since they dry out more slowly. (It's not about the calendar, it's about the result, one doesn't want soggy plants ever, and if it is cold drier is better)
For grins, at my house last year "winter" didn't start to happen until December, it was 95 deg F. on Thanksgiving the 4th Thursday in November... everybody got summer watering no matter what the calendar said.

[Gil]

I've started using Ray's K-Lite and use it at regular strength on all my orchids, those blooming and those not. When I used regular OTC orchid fertilizer, I did back off from normal dosage to about half. At one time I also backed off watering when orchids were in bloom but found that was not really a good idea.

[Roberta]

There's an exception to every orchid rule, of course... some of the Catasetinae bloom while dormant (Not a leaf or growth in sight) Those need to stay dry and unfertilized in dormancy no matter what they are doing bloom-wise.

[WeirdGuySeattle]

I've run plants for years with 0 fertilizer, and they do pretty well (given other things aren't screwing you up).
They grow better with fertilizer, but if worried about things, you can always cut back on fertilizing and not harm the plant.
I'd say if you have good city water (not too high TDS) - or are using RO or distilled or something, keep fertilizing. If your city water is sketchy, cut back.