fertalizer

[orchid133]

hey ladies and gents.

new to the site.. just bought myself a beautiful cattleya orchid... recieved a planupous (hah i suck at spelling it) as a gift last spring.

Did you know that there is a spray that you can buy that fertalizes any orchid.
you just spray it on the leaves, moss etc (but NOT the flower) once a week.

It works wonders... makes your orchid colours / fragrent (if it does have one) even more vibrent

[Leisurely]

Tell us more about the fertilizer. What is the name of it and where do you buy it? What is the nitrogen content etc.? What happens if you get it on the flowers?

[orchid133]

got it at the home hardware...

its terracycle
plant food
orchid

contains no urea

its all natural and contains worm poop

its mori listed
made with organic waste of millions of worms..
its eco friendly and the packaging is recycled 600 ml pop bottles..


encourages blooming, richer colours, and lasting beauty in all orchid varieties, powerful yet will not over feed plants..


i assume that you can get it in the usa as well since that is where its produced (terracycle inc.)
TerraCycle Inc

[shakkai]

This sounds like a great idea. I just wish they would provide data on their website about the NPK concentrations.

[orchid133]

not sure if this helps
buuut

0.03-0.002-0.02

guarateed minimum analysis
total nitrogin 0.03 %
0.02 - watersoluable
0.01 water insoluble
avaliable phosphate (P2O5) 0.002%
Soluble potash (K2O) 0.02%

ingredients - earthworm castings extract and water

[FinnBar]

sounds just great!
i was looking for a source within europe or alternatively, one that ships internationally.
while doing my search i came across this article:

Scotts Sues TerraCycle, Worms, Fertilizer, Miracle-Gro Lawsuit: Gardener's Supply

i only recently read how fertilizer industry has been fighting since the 50's against the benefits of organic fertilisers.

they're like the oil industry hindering the development of environmentally friendly technology for cars.

having said that i'm curious to see how soon this thread gets a comment from someone who thinks organic fertilisers are a waste of money and how little SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE supports their use.
ladies and gentlemen, place your bets..

[shakkai]

Well... I think all the scientific evidence necessary is out there in the plants' natural environment! No one is going out there dosing orchids in the wild with man-made fertilisers

If you find a source for something like this in Europe, please let me know, as I would switch in a heartbeat! I do use an organic seaweed foliar spray that is used in much the same way as this is described. But for regular feedings of the orchids, I'm still using the stuff from Kew Gardens.

I only use my own compost to feed my garden outside, and I only use plant based Ecover cleaners inside (laundry detergent, washing up liquid, window cleaners, everything), so I'd love to find something like this to use on my orchids inside. I'm quite careful about watering when I fertilise now, to ensure none of it goes down the drain (one of the other benefits of having the orchids in tanks) but I'm also conscious of the fact that this could cause salt build up in the bottom of the tank...

I was planning to start a wormery this spring to supplement my compost bins, and if there were a way to easily ensure the concentrations of NPK in the worm castings, I'd make my own!

Orchid133, thanks for the additional info!! That's just the information I was searching for....

PS. I can't believe they are being sued - that's just silly.

[FinnBar]

Dear Shakkai,

i have just the thing for you..

GENERAL HYDROPONICS EUROPE : advanced nutrients systems, hydroponie, bioponie, hydroponic, hidropónico

i did a quick search to find a source within UK and apparently they have it:
Glasgrow Hydroponics Home Page Growing Equipment and Related Indoor Gardening
if not try finding another source from the first link..

it needs to be broken down by bacteria before the nutrients are accessible so it's going to be a little tricky with some orchids. i'm thinking of mounts and pots that need to dry out totally as the bacteria needs constant moisture in order to survive.
i've thought of building a simple filter with a few litre reservoir. the bacterial action would take place there and then i could use the water like i do now with artificial fertilisers. i'm about to set myself up though i just blew my "hobby-budget" on some new Angraecoids..

PS. I can't believe they are being sued - that's just silly.

but it shows they're really feeling threatened..

[Singingirl96]

I believe this is what you are talking about. I bought this in the USA at Home Depot.
I've used the entire bottle over the last month, but my orchids haven't flowered yet. So I can't tell if it is good or not. But here is what the bottle looks like.
I like the idea of it being simply worm poop.

[Leisurely]

Is this fertilizer worm tea in a bottle? If it is, why not buy worm tea bags and mix your own. One bag makes a gallon of fertilizer for a few pennies.