How would you feed me today?

[AndreaK]

I am an EPIDENDRUM FLORIBUNDUM'FANGtastic'. I am being stingy this year in the bloom department. I have 2 growths that are maturing and appear to be thinking about spiking. Just thinking about it, I have gotten to this point before and decided to stall. I am also beginning to put out roots and I have new growth starting. The time of year suggests higher nitrogen to promote growth but I really want to bloom.

Suggestions on care?

[isurus79]

Use a balanced fertilizer all year long. Problem solved

[fishmom]

I'm with isurus79. But I might think about a bit more sunshine, too.

[estación seca]

I push light on anything in the Cattleya alliance until it becomes a little unhappy.

[AndreaK]

Yes, I plan on putting it out this year. I have been growing it in a south facing window under lights as well. It always seems to need more light (darker green foliage-mature, very purplish - immature). I always tend to sunburn them when I try to transition them out- no matter how careful I try to be. We also have pillbugs (massive amounts of them outside). We have paid for regular pesticide treatments starting last August. I really have not seen much progress aside from it being winter now. My outdoor plants struggle to maintain roots under the barrage of the pillbug army.

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------

Originally Posted by isurus79

Use a balanced fertilizer all year long. Problem solved

I am considering making a switch fertilizer wise. I changed things up last year and some plants thrived while others did not. I am very interested in SH and I have been reading about that. I have been looking at firstrays.. I have actually filled my cart several times and then back out. I struggle to convince my self that spending money on extra stuff is ok. Feeding and clothing the kids must come first lol! I can't afford to try it with all but may select a few plants to give it a try.

[estación seca]

I agree food and clothing comes first, but for planning:

I bought my fertilizer and KelpMax at First Rays. I bought the LECA balls at a local hydroponics shop, $38 for a 50 liter bag. I buy 32 ounce / 1 quart / 946ml clear plastic deli containers (lids sold separately so I don't buy them) at Smart and Final, 25 for about $5. If you don't have S&F nearby, you probably have a restaurant supply store. You can save and use 1 quart plastic food tubs as well.

I used a Dreml tool with a round-conical grinder stone to make 2 holes about an inch / 2.5cm from the bottom of each food container. The holes don't have to be very big; they need to be smaller than the LECA balls.

[AndreaK]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I agree food and clothing comes first, but for planning:

I bought my fertilizer and KelpMax at First Rays. I bought the LECA balls at a local hydroponics shop, $38 for a 50 liter bag. I buy 32 ounce / 1 quart / 946ml clear plastic deli containers (lids sold separately so I don't buy them) at Smart and Final, 25 for about $5. If you don't have S&F nearby, you probably have a restaurant supply store. You can save and use 1 quart plastic food tubs as well.

I used a Dreml tool with a round-conical grinder stone to make 2 holes about an inch / 2.5cm from the bottom of each food container. The holes don't have to be very big; they need to be smaller than the LECA balls.

Thank you so much for the information. I may be able to accomplish moving some of the plants to SH via your method tips. I will try the clear plastic deli containers most likely. I grew up in a home where my mom saved butter containers and washed her aluminum foil for re-use (she still does). I do not mind re-using containers; but I like my orchids to take me "away" from earthly concerns. My butter containers usually get holes punched in them and become temporary homes for random snakes, lizards, insects, etc... Catch and release in the same location is always utilized.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by AndreaK

We also have pillbugs (massive amounts of them outside). We have paid for regular pesticide treatments starting last August. I really have not seen much progress aside from it being winter now. My outdoor plants struggle to maintain roots under the barrage of the pillbug army.

The pillbugs shouldn't bother your orchids. They feed on rotting detritus. However, hanging the orchids might help alleviate this problem. Or getting the plants on an elevated bench could help as well.

Originally Posted by AndreaK

I am considering making a switch fertilizer wise. I changed things up last year and some plants thrived while others did not. I am very interested in SH and I have been reading about that. I have been looking at firstrays.. I have actually filled my cart several times and then back out. I struggle to convince my self that spending money on extra stuff is ok. Feeding and clothing the kids must come first lol! I can't afford to try it with all but may select a few plants to give it a try.

Most people over fertilize (by A LOT!!!), even when following the directions on the label. When you switch to the balanced fertilizer (which will make your life much easier, while getting the same flowering results!), try using half the recommended amount. I bet you get all round better success with your plants. If you switch to s/h, you'll need to further slash your fertilizing to prevent burning your plants. You'll get better plants while saving money!

[AndreaK]

I am going to go with estación seca's suggestion of his fertilizer choice along with kelp max. I think it looks like a good change that should have visible results quickly. The cal/mag supplements included therein are essential since several of my plants are exhibiting deficiencies in this department. Thank you for your information and help.