calimagic question

[Lynn in Michigan]

I have noticed on some of my orchids, new growth turning black. From pictures I see, this indicated a cal deficiency. I have only used it 2 times so far. My question is, do I use it for every watering? ( somtimes 2 or 3 times a week)Also is there any orchid you would not use it on.? I also sometimes use some raw seaweed. Can I mix this all together?:

[Ray]

Before you go throwing things at the plants, let's try to verify the issue.

1) What types of orchids?

2) What is your water supply? Geographically, Michigan has fairly hard ground water, so I would not expect tap[ water to lead to a calcium deficiency.

3) Is the new growth turning black as it emerges from the base of the plant, or is it happening later in the plant's growth? (A photo would help)

[Lynn in Michigan]

Thanks Ray. The tips of the new growth turns black and works it's way down . I water with a wand and try very hard not to get anything in the crown or leaves. I have been on this board along time. but I still can't figure out how to put pictures on here.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 PM ----------

oh forgot to say this is happening on my cats mostly.

[Ray]

It certainly sounds like a calcium deficiency. Do you use distilled, RO, or rain water, by any chance?

Use Calimagic at 1 tsp/gal, once a week. If used with fertilizer, add the calimagic to the water, then the fertilizer

[Lynn in Michigan]

I'm using tap water. I tried to see about my water quality. I can't figure it out lol Thank you for your help

[estación seca]

Catts also lose new growths if you let them get dry for too long between watering, especially when smal

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Lynn in Michigan

I'm using tap water. I tried to see about my water quality. I can't figure it out lol Thank you for your help

Where are you in MI? Your municipality is required by law to share water quality data, usually online, although it is focused on health information, not mineral content, although sometimes they do provide that.

[Lynn in Michigan]

I live near Ann Arbor.

[Ray]

Google Ann Arbor Water Quality report and you’ll see that a calcium deficiency is unlikely. Possible, but unlikely. The average is 30 ppm, and the MSU RO formula, if used at 100 ppm N per week (my target. I don’t know yours) would add about 50 ppm more.

That makes me think “pathogen” rather than ”deficiency”.

[estación seca]

If there's enough calcium, I bet it's insufficient watering.