Fertilizing Orchids - Orchid Board

ruthann · #1 01-06-2008, 06:49 PM

Is everyone fertilizing their orchids now? I read that one was to stop fertilizing in October and resume in April. Does it depend upon type of orchid? Most of my orchids are in S/H. My fertilizer is from Norms Orchids in Calif (I have had good luck with Norm's fertilizer). I use it on gardenias and Boston ferns. I have two ordhids blooming now and have not given fertilizer due to what I read. Should I be fertilizing with every watering instead? By the way, can you tell I'm a newbie? Ruth

Grandma M · #2 01-07-2008, 08:04 AM

Ruth

Welcome and good luck with your orchids. They are so rewarding.

I fert with every watering. I also grow my orchids with the S/H method and I use MSU.

Pippin · #3 01-07-2008, 12:56 PM

I fertilize with every watering, MSU fert. 1g/l (130 ppm N).

Tindomul · #4 01-07-2008, 01:45 PM

I fert almost every watering, and take one or sometimes two consecutive weeks to water with plain water to wash out any accumulated salts.
If your plant seems to stop growing during a certain time period, then simply lower the frequency of waterings for that plant, and hence you won't be fertilizing as much either.

Ray · #5 01-08-2008, 07:49 AM

Some plants require a nutrient-free rest period - nobile dendrobiums, for example - or they will not bloom.

In semi-hydro culture, you may either stop watering, as is done with ordinary culture, or just use water only, with no added fertilizer, until they new growth begins in the spring.

Bmorepaph · #6 01-08-2008, 11:24 PM

Hey guys. While on the subject of feriliser: How much Dyna Grow should I use per gallon for my paphs that are in S/H? I have been following the instructions on the back, and I fertilize anywhere from every watering, to at the most every third watering......

Bmorepaph · #7 01-08-2008, 11:33 PM

as usual I spoke to soon! I found a link from another post to the fertiliseser calculator... I think that it reflects that I am using too little. Should I shoot for 150 ppm N, or go as high as 225 ppm. Also, is this apropriate for every watering?

Ray · #8 01-09-2008, 11:07 AM

As you are keeping the nutrition constantly available (via the constant moisture), I would stick to the lower value.

Paphs are not particularly "hungry" critters, anyway.

Phantasm · #9 01-09-2008, 11:22 AM

My normal practice is to cut way back on fertilizer during the winter as well as cut back on water. I stop fertilizing during November and December. Some plants still need moisture year around but the fertilizer isn't being utilized when the plants are basically dormant.
With the days starting to get longer again, I am fertilizing again....