Gypsum and Epsom Salt

[MattWoelfsen]

Has anyone with Neofinetia used either of these two chemicals to supplement their feeding program? I've been reading about various fertilizers--fish emulsion, Better Gro, MSU, etc. but then I came across a thread were someone recommend these two chemicals as somewhat catalytic in that they help the plant ingest other chemicals.

From what I have read, gypsum neutralizes acidic soil and aides in renewing over farmed soil. Here is a link to a PDF file that describes the general use of gypsum. http://fabe.osu.edu/sites/fabe/files...20Bulletin.pdf

Epsom Salt is pH neutral but assist the plant in digesting other fertilizer and assist in photosynthesis. This article indicates that it is most effective spraying the chemical onto leaves. http://www.garden.org/articles/artic...p?q=show&id=68

Before the advent of many modern elixirs, these two chemicals where your basic soil additive and nutritional amendments to raising cultivated plants.

[Joyorchid]

I use gypsum in brewing beer to increase the calcium and balance the pH. Are you suggesting using it in water? Like a fertilizer?

[MattWoelfsen]

That is what I've been reading, Joy. Wait you grow orchids AND brew beer? You ARE a Renaissance Woman! I did read that brewmeisters use gypsum to brew beer. The gypsum format that is used to amend the soil is powdered gypsum and you have to dissolve it in water.

[Joyorchid]

I have a powdered version that I add to the water prior to boiling and adding the barley. I have been brewing for ages, but about 6 years ago I started growing hops for my beer and fell in love with the plants.

Orchids have been a more recent obsession, but one I can carry on all year, not just summertime. What is the concentration for the gypsum?

[MattWoelfsen]

From what I read it is one teaspoon per gallon of water, once a month. But I've only seen this brew applied to potted terrestrial plants like philodendron. Another reference to gypsum is that it helps neutralize the soil and helps the plant ingest calcium. There is some cautionary advice that says if your water is high with calcium, you should not use gypsum.

Our Neofinetia are so dear (expensive) that I do not want to experiment without first seeing if anyone has experience with these two chemicals for growing and feeding Neofinetia.

[Jayfar]

I actually had a tap water test done last spring and found my water was low on Magnesium, a little bit low on Calcium and also low on Sulphur and Magnesium. I should get another test done soon, as the river water my water company uses (from 2 different rivers) is likely to vary seasonally.

In my general orchid fertilizer* mix, I've been adding 1 tsp./gal of Cal-Mag Plus per gallon (which also includes a little Iron). I also sometimes add 1 quarter teaspoon of Pro-Tekt (silicon), which is supposed to, well let me just drop in the product description:

Product Description
Silicon is an element that is often overlooked in plant nutrition. Pro-TeKt® provides supplemental potassium and silicon in an easy to use liquid concentrate. Benefits of silicon include greater tolerance of environmental stresses and mineral toxicity or deficiency. Silicon deposited in cell walls forms a Pro-TeKtive barrier, defending your plants from water loss due to high temperatures. The increased strength of cell walls also results in drastic improvement of stem and branch strength. Since, silicon is rapidly bound in leaf tissue and deposited in a non-translocatable form within 24 hours of uptake, a continuous source of soluble silicon throughout the plant's life is very important.

Epsom salts provide Magnesium and Sulphur; since my water is light on Sulphur, I occasionally add a pinch of Epsom salts and use a little less Cal-Mag. PS: Don't ever buy Epsom salts online from the orchid supply places; it's much, much cheaper at your local Pharmacy or Dollar General store.

Typically I've been fertilizing the Neos once a week, but diluting the above blend to half strength or less. I expect to give them almost no fertilizer in the winter.

Oh lastly, as a kind of voodoo, I've been using the free sample I obtained from the distributor of HB-101, just a few drips in a quart of water every 2 or 3 weeks.

*actual fertilizer used varies between 3 different ones I have on hand. MSU well water formulation or K-Lite (both from First Rays) or Grow More 20-10-20 urea-free. I'm still straddling the fence in the K-lite debate that has been ongoing in several forums.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Jayfar, the Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, while gypsum is calcium sulfate.

I don't have Neofinetias but use both of these minerals to supply Ca, Mg and S to other orchids. You can only dissolve 1 tsp gypsum per gallon of water, Epsom salts are more soluble, but a teaspoon should still be sufficient.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Jayfar, the Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, while gypsum is calcium sulfate.

I don't have Neofinetias but use both of these minerals to supply Ca, Mg and S to other orchids. You can only dissolve 1 tsp gypsum per gallon of water, Epsom salts are more soluble, but a teaspoon should still be sufficient.

Thanks for catching that. Corrected. I actually knew that, but typed my post after waking from a deep sleep, but before the coffee kicked in.

[kindrag23]

[QUOTE=MattWoelfsen;605723]That is what I've been reading, Joy. Wait you grow orchids AND brew beer? You ARE a Renaissance Woman! I did read that brewmeisters use gypsum to brew beer.

Holy Moly! How on earth do you have any space in your house!! @Joy!!!

[Joyorchid]

I brew outside, ferment indoors in my kitchen, and the orchids are in the laundry room. I also blow glass in a studio in our house.