Using Vodka

[Vanda lover]

Hard liquor wouldn't have the sugar. I have read that molasses is good for orchids as well.

[gardengirl13]

oh perfect!! i have this AWESOME (I really mean this, this stuff is great!!!) Cruzan black strap rum. TONS of molasses in that stuff, plus the alcohol. I assume that'll work well, yes??

[thediaTOMaceouscity]

This is really interesting. Is this for every genus?

[BettyE]

I use a tablespoon of gin or vodka in every gallon of fertilizer water...that is when my husband doesn't hide it from me...I also use Super Thrive; 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. I also use a blossom booster two months before each orchids' bloom season. This gives me more/bigger flowers. BettyE

[DTEguy]

Originally Posted by BettyE

I use a tablespoon of gin or vodka in every gallon of fertilizer water...that is when my husband doesn't hide it from me...BettyE

Hi Betty,

May I ask how much and what type of fertilizer do you use? Thanks!

[gardengirl13]

Yang, for me I use a 1/4 spoon of fert (which a full dose is 1 spoonfull- that came with the fert) and approx. 1 teaspoon seaweed and 1 teaspoon vodka to a gallon of water. I use the better-gro bloom booster fert.

[BettyE]

Yang, I use Peters 20-20-20 during the growth period. I use 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon of water, plus a tablespoon of some kind of gin or vodka. Heck, I figure my orchids like to "party," also! ( actually, I think the touch of alcohol makes the orchids distasteful to the bugs! )...BettyE

[Vanda lover]

I think you are right, BettyE. Insects hate alcohol and if there is some in the medium I'm sure it would help repel them. I add a little rubbing alcohol to my home made bug spray and it really helps.

[Bud]

I am allergic to ingesting alcohol drinks(but I can handle the liquid and my skin is not affected) ....I break into hives, get eye irritation, my tongue swells and go into anaphylaxis....so I wouldnt have a clue what is the best tasting vodka=but I found the cheapest vodka (Kasser's Kavkaski $6.49) for a liter and this is what I now give my plants....all my orchids are doing great with weekly vodka now

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Bud

I am allergic to ingesting alcohol drinks(but I can handle the liquid and my skin is not affected) ....I break into hives, get eye irritation, my tongue swells and go into anaphylaxis....so I wouldnt have a clue what is the best tasting vodka=but I found the cheapest vodka (Kasser's Kavkaski $6.49) for a liter and this is what I now give my plants....all my orchids are doing great with weekly vodka now

That's terrible!
It's a good thing you found some cheap vodka then. Our liquor isn't nearly as cheap here.