What the ppm N target range for cyms?
 

I keep reading about how cyms are "heavy feeders" but don't quite know what that means in terms of a good fertilizer program. I've researched online and found a site suggesting 100 ppm N while another advised 150. I've read about the 125 ppm N rule based on the MSU study but do cyms require a higher dosage because they are "heavy feeders?"

My in-recovery NOID cym has put out small leads this year and based on FirstRay's ppm calculator, I've been feeding way below 100 ppm N. The weakly/weekly mantra has made me ultra conservative with fertilizer dosing.

I believe I need to crank the fertilizer for my cym but to what level? Btw, I'm currently using Better-Gro's 20-14-13.

As always, I appreciate your advice.

I believe that you should be thinking in terms of "what is a decent dosage that won't harm the plant" and feeding frequency, rather than just the concentration.

A nitrogen loading of anywhere up to 150 ppm isn't going to hurt most plants, and if you liken the concentration of fertilizer to calories in your own meal, you can see that a "normal feeder" might get fed one time every "x" days, while a "heavy" feeder might get fed two times or more times in that same period.

I would like to add one more point to Ray's comment and that is watching to be certain that the overall plant growth is not made at the expense of flowers. I have found that a Cym. "over fed" on nitrogen, will continue to be fat and happy, like us consuming too many calories, and never bloom. One reason a Cym. blooms is because of stress. If one applies too much nitrogen throughout the year, one will not get optimum bloom.

Cym Ladye

Thank you both for your feedback. I think I'm going to switch over to timed release fertilizing once I finish the current product I'm using and keep things simple.

No fertilizer is "time released", it is temperature released - gushing out at high rates when warm, less when colder - so keep that in mind when you buy the stuff, so you get the correct one.

It would be interesting to know what the NPK source is for cymbidiums in the wild and from what source the fertilizer is obtained, as in provided directly from animals or, is water borne and a weaker solution, or is there a seasonal alteration from one source to another.

I've had very good success with Smartcote slow release fertilizer. I came across an Australian site that suggested Smartcote for orchids but I don't think it is available here. I just used one that is for hanging baskets, and my Cyms bloom like crazy with it. I also occasionally added regular orchid food while I was watering during the summer.

Cymbidiums are opportunists. They will take what they need from what is available. I am sure yours are doing this too. I also will say that any fertilizer is better than nothing, assuming it does not physically harm the plant. The important thing is to read the labels and learn what is in the fertilizers you use and their strength.

CL

I agree. I have found Cyms to be very forgiving.I froze mine once when we got a sudden frost. The soil in the pot was frozen solid when I brought it inside. That didn't stop it from blooming like crazy.

I bought the Dynamite brand 13-13-13 (the red bottle) slow release fertilzer. It had good reviews on this site and I also found the same was true for both a few hobby and commercial growers in my area.

I haven't used the product yet but I believe it will make caring for my 'chids more pleasurable. I was becoming too preoccupied with what was "right" and what I did wrong in the feeding routine.

Thank you all for sharing your experience with me. Happy New Year and happy growing!

I'll have to see if I can find some of that. So far the only orchid food I have found sold here is Plant Prod and Shultz, and no time release. I've had to use one for flowers.

Vanda Lover,

Dynamite (the red bottle) is not specifically branded as an orchid fertilizer. Its write-up states it's for flowers and veggies. However, the company offers a Bromeliad and Orchid version. I haven't seen it on the Home Depot site so I don't know where it's available.

Hope this helps.

I wonder if Dynamite is any better than the Smartcote that I'm using, considering that they are both for flowers and veggies. I can tell you that the cyms love it. My husband has promised to teach me to post photos. I am so computerly challenged!

While you are waiting for your sweetie to teach you how to post photos, :roll: take the time to read and study the components on the label of your Smartcote fertilizer. What is the N,(Nitrogen) P,(Phosphate) K (Potash) ratio? What are the percentages of the other nutrients added (ie micro nutrients)?

In short, learn to read your labels. You may not understand the uses of each nutrient listed, but others here on the Forum will be glad to tell you. Simply put, if you have a balanced "blend", like the Dynamite cited of 13-13-13, you can use this all year long with good results. If the first number is higher (Nitrogen) then this would be a fertilizer to be used more for growth in the spring and early summer.

There are lots of different fertilizers and many different formulas. Just find one that is easy for you to get and to apply, whether it is a slow release or a weekly application in soluble form. JUST FEED SOMETHING! :lol::lol::lol:

Cym Ladye

The Smartcote I use is 14-14-14. The label doesn't mention other nutrients, so I supplement with other foods now and then. I add a little Epson salts to the water now and then. I'm wondering the best way to give them a calcium boost though. I've heard that it is good for them. I give my roses banana skins for this.