Ctsm Macroglossum - potting up

[orchidsarefun]

I divided my plant into 2 last Fall and the one division was ready to pot up. No growth on the second as yet. I stored these "unpotted" over Winter.
I used a mix of sphagnum and medium fir bark. I distributed dynamite extended release fertiliser throughout the mix - this worked well for me last year. Later in the season I am going to add a top layer of blood meal and bone meal, as an experiment.
First photo shows division and root growth peeking through. I left quite a few old roots as stabilisers/placement aids for the division.
Second photo shows dynamite granules and plant ( I suppose Osmocote Plus will also work well )

[WhiteRabbit]

Cool

I've been advised against using Osmocote, as it releases much of the fertilizer quickly. Both Dynamite and Nutricote have been recommended. Nutricote seems to be only packaged for commercial growers, but I've gotten smaller quantities on ebay, and at an orchid show.

[orchidsarefun]

I think they may have reformulated Osmocote to last longer. Its now Osmocote Plus. I don't know if its as effective as Dynamite but if it lasts for 4 months at least, then I am OK with it. Plus I got a 2lb bottle free !
I will probably top dress my plants when I move them outdoors.

[Brooke]

The problem with Osmocote was if the temps went over 85, they could burst and release all the fertilizer at once.

I thought Osmocote and Nutricote were from the same company?

Brooke

[orchidsarefun]

found this article

http://www.alliedbotanical.com/pdf/Osmocote15912.pdf

basically saying lasts 3-4 months at average media temp of 90f, much longer at lower temps.

[orchidsarefun]

new growth starting. In the most unlikely place I think !
Battling to get rid of white/powdery scale, have sprayed a couple of different formulations ( including Dr Bronners and neem ) and doesn't seem to be that effective. Next will be an alcohol wash......maybe soak.

[catasetum-ian]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

new growth starting. In the most unlikely place I think !
Battling to get rid of white/powdery scale, have sprayed a couple of different formulations ( including Dr Bronners and neem ) and doesn't seem to be that effective. Next will be an alcohol wash......maybe soak.

the bulb on the most right of the pic, yellowing near the base, keep and eye out on that.
scale...malathion works well.

[kindrag23]

What was the blood meal added for? Did you see any significant changes?

---------- Post added at 10:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:05 AM ----------

I've used blood meal on my garden but never thought to use it on my orchids

[orchidsarefun]

Blood meal has a high nitrogen content = more/bigger leaves= bigger bulbs= better flowers. In theory.
I think I will sprinkle it on my zygos, catts, oncidiums as well. This, along with my dynamite/osmocote granules, means I won't have to fertilise for the next 3 months.

Blood meal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I haven't applied it yet - will do so next week when my plants go outdoors.

[kindrag23]

Whew I don't blame you for not applying it yet that stuff STINKS! I made the mistake last year of just sprinkling it out with my hands...took me 3 days to finally get that smell off bluck!