Wood ashes for Cymbidium nutrition

[rodrigo]

I've been reading a little about wood ashes, and I like what I have found so far about it

It is rich in Calcium and Potassium.... and cheap

It seems that cymbidiums like being in the alkaline side.
Most of the cymbidium potting mixes suggested in this forum and elsewhere call for limestone, dolomite, sea shells, etc. to be added to the mix. All rich sources of Calcium and with a high PH. It has been said again and again that old or acidic potting mixes are the main cause for root rot in cymbs.
So why not apply wood ashes for potassium and to raise the PH?

Now, I've heard from some cymbidium experts that the Potassium levels should be kept slightly higher than Nitrogen levels to get better growth rates and push spike initiation.
Unfortunately very few (if any) commercial fertilizers available (around my area) have a NPK ratio with a high Potassium level.
So why not use wood ashes to provide a boost in Potassium at the time needed by the plant?

I'm really excited about this "discovery", but before I throw ashes at my Cymbs, I wanted to ask if anybody has had any experience with it.

Thanks for your feedback on this issue.

Regards,

Rodrigo