Fertilizer questions and "weakly, weekly" clarification?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Kilmiquix

I'm thinking that I might switch to spraying on the fertilizer solution instead of pouring the gallon jugs. Saturating the plant and bark with the weak solution should do the trick, right?

I am not a fan of foliar feeding of orchids.

Yes, the CAN take up nutrients through the leaves, but its not nearly as efficient as through the roots. Plus, there are differences in foliar uptake rates between ammonium-, nitrate-, and urea-based nitrogen.

Then there is also the fact that some orchids have waxy cuticle layers on the leaves - intended to prevent water loss - that also prevent contact of the solutions with the portions of the leaves that can absorb the nutrients. Phalaenopsis area notable example, with mature plants having a lot thicker cuticle layers than do seedlings.