Fertilizing

[Austin Powers]

Hi All,
I am wondering what others do in terms of fertilizer while plants are in active bloom. I use Dynagrow 'grow' during spring/summer growth, then switch to 'bloom' in the Fall. This was the suggestion of the grower who I purchased a couple plants from last spring.
Now that I have a couple Phals in active bloom I am not sure if I should back off on fertilizer all together till they are done, or lighten up on fert., or just carry on with my regular schedule?
I thought I read about this in a book, buy now cannot find the passage.
Thanks for your input,
Stephen

[Donald]

I stop the fertilizer on plants in bloom, but that's one persons opinion. I'm sure you'll here more. Happy growing.

[slipperfreak]

Personally I continue fertilizing while the plant is in bloom, with high-P. I don't use high-N during blooming though.

[trdyl]

Phals I fertilize year round in flower or not. I do grow in S/H tho.

[dounoharm]

i have too many plants to actually segregate....and my mom does my fert for me every time i am out of town....so i am not really careful about it....i fert every week with a weak msu solution, and everybody gets a dose....its just easier that way, and so far so good.....mom only feeds em every two weeks so i fig they need it by the time i come back....orchids are darn tuff little creatures! and mine are greenhouse grown.....

[johnblagg]

while spiking or making new growth they need the food in my opinon...after spikes are developed and blooms opening maybe not so much but I never stop and fertilese unless there is a definite dormant period.

[Ray]

I have plants in S/H culture, mounted, in baskets, and in "regular" culture with bark mix. Like "Douno", I have too many plants to individually service any, so they all get fed at every watering all year.

Blooming and carrying capsules are both energy-consuming activities, so the plant needs the food. You wouldn't start a pregnant woman, would you?

[judyok]

touche'

[snakecharma]

I use "strike back" monthly (awesome stuff), on the other weeks I rotate between Miracle Gro, Maxicrop and my secret fertiliser, fish water. Oh No! not secret now

As I live in a temperate area, I fertilse year round as I find there is always something happening out there.

[wevans]

Would it be possible to explain the correct way of fertilizing dens, catts & phals. I normaly use 20 20 20 once a month and use a watering can to wet them, or should I let them stand in the fertilizer water for a few mins and throw away after each one has been thoroughly soaked, so as not to spread any disease. How much gallons of fertilizer water is needed for each plant?