fish fertilizer questions - Orchid Board

spikey2004 · #1 09-29-2011, 01:43 PM

Hi everyone!
I went to HD to get a seaweed fertilizer but instead I found a liquid FISH FERTILIZER, are they the same? if not, do they sell it in local stores? I already have a 20-20-20 fert. and also a liquid fertilizer for african violets that so far has worked ok but I hear wonders about the seaweed and of course I want to join the club

my plants have been under a lot of stress this year and I want to give them a boost before the "Florida winter" comes (Your never know what to expect) back to the topic: if I get the seaweed, should I use it along with the regular fert.?
thanks for your help

Ray · #2 09-29-2011, 02:27 PM

Fish fertilizer and liquid seaweed are totally different.

The former, sometimes known as fish "emulsion" contributes the three macro elements (NPK), usually pretty high in nitrogen (5-1-1 is fairly common), and a few trace elements.

Liquid seaweed is primarily known for contributing trace elements and some enzymes that may stimulate root growth. It should be used as a fertilizer additive.

Merlyn · #3 09-29-2011, 04:26 PM

Ray, are both of them keep-in-the-fridge products ?

tucker85 · #4 09-29-2011, 05:48 PM

Spikey, I see that you live in Miami. You won't have any trouble getting a seaweed product in south Florida. OFE probably carries it. Broward orchid supply carries Maxicrop Liquid Seaweed which is the one I use. They have a booth at most of the big orchid shows. I usually get mine at Green Barn Orchid Supply in Delary Beach. Like Ray said, fish emulsion is totally different and it smells pretty bad. The seaweed products do not need to be kept in the refrigerator.

Ray · #5 09-29-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Ray, are both of them keep-in-the-fridge products ?

As I have never used either, I'm probably not one to seek a definitive answer from. However... as both are organic, I imagine they will degrade with time, so refrigeration should slow that process.

Bud · #6 09-29-2011, 10:36 PM

I use the seaweed same brand Tucker is using...it works well for me

spikey2004 · #7 10-01-2011, 04:40 PM

@tucker85...I went today and bought the maxicrop liquid seaweed to Broward orchid supply,the lady was very nice and gave me some tips,but I forgot to ask her if I should follow the same indications on the bottle for orchids....how do you use on yours? I know is ok to mix it w/fertilizer but not sure about the strength, and also can I use it anytime of the year or just in the growing period? thanks for your help...

tucker85 · #8 10-01-2011, 05:33 PM

Spikey, during the spring and summer I use it according to the label. That's 1 ounce per gallon. I have a liquor shot glass that's perfect for measuring it. I just add it to my fertilizer mixture. This time of year I fertilize once a week so I'm using 1 ounce of liquid seaweed a week. At the end of October the days are shorter and the orchid growth slows so I start fertilizing every two weeks and I also decrease my liquid seaweed to 1/2 ounce per gallon. I use it all the way through the winter at a low dose. Don't freak out when you see your fertilizer water looks black. The orchids love it and it doesn't burn the plants. Remember it's a suppliment, you still need to use a fertilizer with it. The results that I've seen are better root production, better disease resistance and increased fragrance in many orchids.