Newbie to Semi-Hydro

[PitcherASAMD]

Wait, now I'm confused Joann. The mini bottle from Ray's says as a fertilizer supplement to use 1-2 drops/gallon. But the big KLN bottle says to use 1tsp/gallon for orchids. So which is it? I'm confused.....

--Katie

[Zoi2]

You've got me there.....I've never gotten a big bottle of KLN, I just get the small ones cuz they last a long time. I don't have a clue as to why they are different. Ray will probably be the best one to answer this though.

I found out the hard way about not flushing enough, so I don't want anyone else to make that mistake. You can keep the same fert schedule you use for your bark media.
Joann

[PitcherASAMD]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

You've got me there.....I've never gotten a big bottle of KLN, I just get the small ones cuz they last a long time. I don't have a clue as to why they are different. Ray will probably be the best one to answer this though.

I found out the hard way about not flushing enough, so I don't want anyone else to make that mistake. You can keep the same fert schedule you use for your bark media.
Joann

Okay, just checked ray's forum. He says 1-2 drops per gallon if you are using it on a regular basis. So you are indeed correct! Thanks Joann! I will cut way back on my fertilizer as well as my KLN. Could it hurt to always flush with water before I fertilize?

Katie

[Zoi2]

Katie, I'm glad you checked Ray's site...I was going to double check my KLN label, you had me wondering LOL.
I usually water twice a week. Sunday (I have the most time) I water/fertilize weakly. On Wednesday (I get home early afternoon) I flush each pot 3-4 times with tap/rain water. I've been doing this for about a year now and have had no fertilizer salt build up on my plants or leca. When I had the salt burns I was only flushing 1-2 times a month and probably not enough flushes at a time.
Joann

[PitcherASAMD]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Katie, I'm glad you checked Ray's site...I was going to double check my KLN label, you had me wondering LOL.
I usually water twice a week. Sunday (I have the most time) I water/fertilize weakly. On Wednesday (I get home early afternoon) I flush each pot 3-4 times with tap/rain water. I've been doing this for about a year now and have had no fertilizer salt build up on my plants or leca. When I had the salt burns I was only flushing 1-2 times a month and probably not enough flushes at a time.
Joann

Thanks Joann! That sounds like a perfect schedule for me as well. I am off from work both wednesday and Sunday so i too will give that a try. Water/Fertilize on Sunday and flush well on Wednesday! Thanks for all your help! I'll keep everyone updated on the plants progress.
--Katie

[Zoi2]

I hope it works as well for you and yes, keep us updated with pictures of your perfect blooms!
Joann