Potting plants from Equador - Fertilize?
 

Hi!

I just bought some orchids from Equador and am now going to pot them. I have done this before...about a year or two ago, and I cannot remember if I should fertilize the plants once I put them in pots.

Should I fertilize these plants or do I wait for a bit for them to acclimatize to the new medium (because they are in minimal medium now)?

Thanks!

D

I would soak them in seasol/fish emulsion for an hour prior to potting and them a week later fertilise with seasol or fish emulsion to stimulate root growth, then use your normal fertiliser.

I don't use fertilizer on newly planted orchids for a couple of weeks. I water them as I normally would. I don't think you'll cause any harm by fertilizing right away but I don't think it will be beneficial either. Another consideration is that we're going into the winter season when orchids need very little fertilizer anyway. Like Jack said, I use liquid seaweed on the roots before repotting. KLN or Dip N' Grow are good alternatives also but if you don't have any of those rooting hormones, don't worry about it. The plant can do fine without them.

Thanks for the advice!

I don't have any hormones, but I will water as usual.

Much appreciated!

D

When I say water as usual, I should have said water when the medium becomes dry. I didn't necessarily mean to water at the same schedule as established plants because newly potted plants may use the water more slowly.