Hi,Everyone - Orchid Board

haydn06 · #1 12-05-2007, 01:25 AM

I am new in this forum, and have alot to learn from everyone. As I need help quick please. Many Orchid food out there, very confused to me.

which one is the best to choose from?should I choose the one high in phosphate? or high in nitrogen?? and what type of compose or soil is the best?someone planted orchid in pot with few pieces of charcoal nothing else in it? and why? your help is greatly appreciated. thank you.

cb977 · #2 12-05-2007, 10:25 AM

Hi Haydn...welcome to Orchiboard

Orchids are so varying that there is no general media for them to be planted in. Only a select few would take anything like a soil...most need more of a bark mixture...or LECA...or charcoal...or nothing at all!!!

As for what types of food, take a look at the "feeding your plants" section of this information page from Ray's site...it explains amounts of food rather than a specific type of food:

First Rays' Free Info

There is also plenty of info available in our forums...check out the Beginner Forum to start.

What types of orchids are you growing?

If you have any questions, let us know

savor · #3 12-05-2007, 09:48 PM

Welcome Haydn!
This a great place to get your answers. You'll want to consider the fertilizing needs of each particular orchid. Ray's site is great! To get started, maybe buy a balanced fertilizer labeled 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Use it at one fourth the label suggestion. Then you might consider ordering a fertilizer with the "Michigan formula" researched by the University specifically for orchids. If you haven't heard it, there is a saying feed them 'weakly weekly'? A light solution can actually be used at most waterings however at the fourth watering let plain water run through the pot to flush out salts and other build up solids.
As far as the growing media or what we put in the orchids pot, it also depends on the orchid. If you can tell us the name or even the type of orchids, we can help more directly. If you don't have ID tags, you can also post a photo. You'll see that almost everyone has there own favorite mix or method. Bear in mind that in nature most orchids just have their roots exposed. We place the media around the roots to make it easy for us to keep them moist between waterings. When I've traveled, I have seen orchids growing in soft drink cans with pieces of broken styrofoam cups for media. Also small chunks of concrete block or just placed on a pine cone! Charcoal does filter impurities but it is usually one of several ingredients in the mix. Whatever you end up using, the next thing to consider is how moist should the mix be? Most people begin by over watering. May I suggest you use a tried and true "Water-o meter". Get a pencil or a wooden bbq skewer and keep it in the pot. When you consider watering, pull the stick out. If it is still wet, wait another day.
Have fun and enjoy,
Lee

Tindomul · #4 12-06-2007, 10:39 AM

Welcome to the ORchid Board. Glad you were able to join.
The substrate you use for your orchids depends very much on the orchid. Epiphytes can be grown in anything but soil (so they can grow is sphagnum moss, expanded clay balls (usually for semi-hydro), pine bark with charcoal or by itself, or even a healthy mix of all of the above. As far as fertilizers, I like the use the MSU formula provided by Product Listing - MSU-type Liquid Fertilizer for Pure Water - 1 Qt

justatypn · #5 12-06-2007, 10:55 PM

Aboard Haydn, its great that your here and so much information awaits. What type of orchids do you grow and enviroment?

We here at the OB love

s, would love to see your collection.

haydn06 · #6 12-07-2007, 11:01 PM

How are everyone? I hope all of you are well and happy. I sincerely thank you for to the warm welcome and advices that I've received from some members so far..I am currently have few litle plants that I got from Southeast Asia, with the help from members of the OB,I feel much at ease to reserv it from dying.hope soon have some pictures to share with everyone . once again, thank you.