What the ppm N target range for cyms? - Orchid Board

NewBloom · #1 12-22-2011, 04:25 AM

I keep reading about how cyms are "heavy feeders" but don't quite know what that means in terms of a good fertilizer program. I've researched online and found a site suggesting 100 ppm N while another advised 150. I've read about the 125 ppm N rule based on the MSU study but do cyms require a higher dosage because they are "heavy feeders?"

My in-recovery NOID cym has put out small leads this year and based on FirstRay's ppm calculator, I've been feeding way below 100 ppm N. The weakly/weekly mantra has made me ultra conservative with fertilizer dosing.

I believe I need to crank the fertilizer for my cym but to what level? Btw, I'm currently using Better-Gro's 20-14-13.

As always, I appreciate your advice.

Ray · #2 12-22-2011, 08:37 AM

I believe that you should be thinking in terms of "what is a decent dosage that won't harm the plant" and feeding frequency, rather than just the concentration.

A nitrogen loading of anywhere up to 150 ppm isn't going to hurt most plants, and if you liken the concentration of fertilizer to calories in your own meal, you can see that a "normal feeder" might get fed one time every "x" days, while a "heavy" feeder might get fed two times or more times in that same period.

Cym Ladye · #3 12-22-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I believe that you should be thinking in terms of "what is a decent dosage that won't harm the plant" and feeding frequency, rather than just the concentration.....

I would like to add one more point to Ray's comment and that is watching to be certain that the overall plant growth is not made at the expense of flowers. I have found that a Cym. "over fed" on nitrogen, will continue to be fat and happy, like us consuming too many calories, and never bloom. One reason a Cym. blooms is because of stress. If one applies too much nitrogen throughout the year, one will not get optimum bloom.

Cym Ladye

NewBloom · #4 12-24-2011, 12:59 AM

Thank you both for your feedback. I think I'm going to switch over to timed release fertilizing once I finish the current product I'm using and keep things simple.

Ray · #5 12-24-2011, 10:36 AM

No fertilizer is "time released", it is temperature released - gushing out at high rates when warm, less when colder - so keep that in mind when you buy the stuff, so you get the correct one.

JW2250 · #6 12-27-2011, 05:12 PM

It would be interesting to know what the NPK source is for cymbidiums in the wild and from what source the fertilizer is obtained, as in provided directly from animals or, is water borne and a weaker solution, or is there a seasonal alteration from one source to another.

Vanda lover · #7 12-27-2011, 07:20 PM

I've had very good success with Smartcote slow release fertilizer. I came across an Australian site that suggested Smartcote for orchids but I don't think it is available here. I just used one that is for hanging baskets, and my Cyms bloom like crazy with it. I also occasionally added regular orchid food while I was watering during the summer.

Cym Ladye · #8 12-28-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I've had very good success with Smartcote slow release fertilizer. I came across an Australian site that suggested Smartcote for orchids but I don't think it is available here. I just used one that is for hanging baskets, and my Cyms bloom like crazy with it. I also occasionally added regular orchid food while I was watering during the summer.

Cymbidiums are opportunists. They will take what they need from what is available. I am sure yours are doing this too. I also will say that any fertilizer is better than nothing, assuming it does not physically harm the plant. The important thing is to read the labels and learn what is in the fertilizers you use and their strength.

CL

Vanda lover · #9 12-28-2011, 02:41 PM

I agree. I have found Cyms to be very forgiving.I froze mine once when we got a sudden frost. The soil in the pot was frozen solid when I brought it inside. That didn't stop it from blooming like crazy.

NewBloom · #10 12-31-2011, 04:13 AM

I bought the Dynamite brand 13-13-13 (the red bottle) slow release fertilzer. It had good reviews on this site and I also found the same was true for both a few hobby and commercial growers in my area.

I haven't used the product yet but I believe it will make caring for my 'chids more pleasurable. I was becoming too preoccupied with what was "right" and what I did wrong in the feeding routine.

Thank you all for sharing your experience with me. Happy New Year and happy growing!