Semi-Hydro + Cymbidiums + Nutricote + Timed/Slow Release Fertilzer + Advice

[empiref]

Hello all,

I have browsed the board for an answer to my specific question and couldn't find what I was looking for, so I was wondering if someone can help me.

I grow all my orchids in a Semi-Hydro setup. They are all doing great. I am currently using a specialized Orchid fertilizer that is expensive. I am also supplementing my orchids with Kelpak every 14 days.

My Cyms are in 13" pots, I currently have 3 that are already in Semi-Hydro and recently acquired 3 others which I will be moving to Semi-Hydro when the weather gets warmer and the flower spikes are gone in late March or early May. I am also in the market to expanding my cym collection to 27 different cyms not to mention my other 1 Phal + 2 Oncs + 1 Calanthe + 2 Pleiones.

I want to know if I can use Nutricote with my Semi-Hydro setup. I already read on this forum that the pellets will fall into the reservoir at the bottom, but I was thinking of splitting the pellets into 4 equal amounts and placing them into a small pantyhose bags and burying them about an inch deep inside the Hydroton.

I also read on this forum that someone heard in an orchid class through an expert that you should use 3-4 pellets of Nutricote per inch in diameter of pot.

I have read that many growers have had great success using timed release fertilizer in conventional media but no info regarding Semi-Hydro setups.

about 1 Kg of Nutricote costs USD 13 (excluding shipping)
About 1 Kg of the specialized fertilizer that I use costs USD 240. (excluding shipping)

Here are some pics of my cyms that were moved last year into Semi-Hydro.

The one in bloom appears to be a One Tree Hill 'John's Quest'. It had 3 flower spikes, I broke one off trying to straighten it when it was still very small and tender.

The other one I acquired recently for USD 15, don't know the name, it has a honey-like scent!

Thank you in advance for your time and help and best regards to all.

[WhiteRabbit]

[Ray]

Nice plants!

I cannot give guidance on specifics, as I've not used the stuff, but all of the "controlled release" pellets do so upon exposure to moisture, so whether they are on top of the medium in a bag, buried in it, sprinkled on top and work their way in, and even down into the reservoir, the nutrient ions are going to be spread around via the wicking water.

My only concern about the pellets is clogging up the air flow, but I doubt that's a huge issue.

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Ray

Nice plants!

I cannot give guidance on specifics, as I've not used the stuff, but all of the "controlled release" pellets do so upon exposure to moisture, so whether they are on top of the medium in a bag, buried in it, sprinkled on top and work their way in, and even down into the reservoir, the nutrient ions are going to be spread around via the wicking water.

My only concern about the pellets is clogging up the air flow, but I doubt that's a huge issue.

Thank you Ray, besides the clogging up issue of the air, which also I think is not an issue, because around 50 pellets in such a large pot are not going to make that difference. Do you think anything else might harm the orchids with such a set-up since your are the MAN when it comes to semi-hydro and everything relating to it!

[Ray]

I foresee no issues.

[POLKA]

I'm not sure I would bury the bag, but rather just lay it on top where you will water thru it.

I know some friends who use composted materials in their p-hose bag, and they have terrific plants.

Take care
Rex

[empiref]

Originally Posted by POLKA

I'm not sure I would bury the bag, but rather just lay it on top where you will water thru it.

I know some friends who use composted materials in their p-hose bag, and they have terrific plants.

Take care
Rex

Hello Rex.

Regarding your friends, did they use the composted materials with a semi-hydro setup or a normal setup.

Thank you for your help.

[Vanda lover]

I use Smartcote slow release for growing the conventional way and I have often thought about trying it in s/h. I use it in with my water lilies which are in sand, and it works great. I can't see there being any problem using it in s/h. I may try it myself. Your cyms look like they really love s/h.

[POLKA]

They did it with a regular set up.
However, I think that it would be just about the same if you water with a hose/watering can, rather than at the sink or bucket.

Rex

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Ray

I foresee no issues.

Hello,

I didn't find any Nutricote in my country, instead I found a fertilizer called Basacote manufactured in Germany.

Basacote Plus 6M (16-8-12) also a fully coated controlled release fertilizer similar to Nutricote (13-13-13)
I have attached 2 files of the components of the fertilizer.

http://www.compo-expert.com/fileadmi...6M_16-8-12.pdf

http://www.compo-expert.com/fileadmi...ote_neu_01.pdf

The fact sheet recommends for Container nursery stock, Potplants, Bedding and balcony plants in g/l
2,0-2,5 g/l for low nutrient requirement
2,5-3,5 g/l for medium nutrient requirement
3,5-4,5 g/l for high nutrient requirement

How much should I use on my orchids if I factor in the volume of each pot, and can I use it on all orchids including seedlings?

Thank you in advance for your help