Fertilizer Question

[LuvPhals]

I bought some orchid fertilizer by Dyna Gro with the numbers of 7-8-6 that says mix 1/2 tsp per gallon of water every time you water. This fertilizing is for my rescue Noid's. Does this formula need to be weakened up some from the directions or is it okay to use as directed? A couple of my Phals are really struggling and this would be their first fertilizing. Another question with these is should I just run it through their bark pots to drain or soak them a while? I repotted into the fir bark and there is some rooting on each but I don't want to hurt them more! I've tried to dry them out a bit and mist and use humidty trays so I think maybe now they need a good healthy drink!

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm guessing that fertilizer is a liquid? Using Ray's fertilizer PPM calculator Fertilizer PPM Calculator gives 1/2 tsp per gallon of this product gives you 46 PPM N, 23 PPM P, which would seem fairly weak, I wouldn't think you would need to dilute further.

I'm soooo not a fert expert, however, and hopefully others with more knowledge will chime in.

Ray also has more info on fertilizing here: First Rays' Free Info

Good luck!

[naoki]

I use it 1/4tsp /gal for paphs every watering (I use rain water and RO). So 1/2tsp/gal for phals shouldn't be a problem. You can either pour or soak. But I don't think it will make much difference (except it will take more time to soak).

[tucker85]

Since the fertilizer is designed for orchids and the recommended strength is calculated for weekly use, I would use the dose recommended on the label. It should be fine.

When you get a fertilizer that gives you a dosage designed for once a month then you would use 1/4 of that dose every week (4 times a month).

[NYCorchidman]

I use that same product and I don't delute it. use as it says because this product is already quite weak.

Not to be a downer, but I really don't see the effect of fertilizer. I still use it though. makes me feel better about growing plants. lol