Fertilizing terrarium orchids

[Ross]

I am planning to run my standard MSU 125ppm mix with distilled water through my Mist King setup to water and fertilize my terrarium orchids (all growing on sticks or in small baskets.) Any thoughts on this? Problems? Things to watch out for?

The reason I want to do this is to try to go at least two-three weeks without human intervention. I'll be using a 5-gallon pail as reservoir and interval timer. I have the refilling reservoir covered. (More on the details of the terrarium are forthcoming in a future thread along with pictures.)

[terrestrial_man]

Ross, I see no problem but it depends on what else you have growing in there with the orchids. Mosses, selaginellas, and other plants may get burned even at trace amounts-it depends (learned this the hard way!!!! in my g/h growing)

[Tindomul]

Won't the ferts form salts on the misters, clogging them?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Won't the ferts form salts on the misters, clogging them?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Before I do it, I'd like to know the long term consequences.

[ScottMcC]

I would think that something with such a fine nozzle as a mister should be fed distilled/RO water exclusively, unless you want to be replacing it frequently. is there a way you can drizzle a little fertilizer directly on the plant roots every week or so? it's a pain, but probably easier than replacing your mister.

[ScottMcC]

doh. I just saw the part of your initial post about wanting to avoid touching it for up to 3 wks at a time. hmm....I still don't think that using fertilizer through a superfine nozzle is a good idea, because you're guaranteed to get some sediment in there. but perhaps a slightly less fine nozzle for the fert, and the mistking for the bulk of the watering? you can probably get away with minimal fertilizer, ie 1-2xweek, and this way your fertilizer hose will last longer.

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[Ross]

Thanks for the input guys. Marty pretty nixed the idea saying the nozzles would clog and the fertilizer will cause gross amounts of deposits on the glass/acrylic. I guess I'll just forgo the fertilizer durings trips away from home. Drizzlers are a possibility but really not worth the trouble.

[Tindomul]

Thats true. If you think hard water is tough on glass aquariums, just wait till you see fertilizer filled water sprayed on acrylic. What a nightmare! Glad he thought of it.