[QUOTE=LobsterOfJustice;818943]We alternate between these two fertilizers and all of our orchids are growing (cattleya, neofinetia, vanda, phal, chiloschista, tolumnia, den. phal., den. nobile, epidendrum). We fertilize weakly weekly (1/4 strength every weekend) and about 1x/month, just plain water to flush out the pots.
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Also have KelpMax and I tend to use it for new orchids or newly re-potted orchids to help them adjust and grow in their new environment, it seems to work well. If you come across a balanced fertilizer that is urea free, please let us know.
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KelpMax is great, especially if used as directed on the label and I like using on a consistent 1x monthly basis. I also like the Quantum Total First Rays is now carrying — stinkiest stuff ever (use outside) but you know it’s gotta be good. Suppose to be same product as the orchid specified Quantum but a lot cheaper in larger bottle. 1) No Urea Fertilizers: GreenCare’s K-Lite complete fertilizer sold by First Rays too (12-1-1 with 10% calcium, 3% magnesium, making with iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum). It tells you on the bottle what makes up each ingredient. 2) the BetterGro fertilizer Regular and bloom (the Sunbulb you mentioned ) states it’s urea free and has trace minerals but no calcium. Orchids need lots of calcium.
JR Peters Inc. has numerous urea free fertilizers (NOT THE JACKS CLASSIC) and if you send them a sample of your tap water or well water (+$40) they will advise its contents etc and what fertilizers you need for your water and what you are growing and for what stage. Once on their website, look for lab services tab on the bar.
Note, personally I feel if you are staying with the same fertilizer all year long and for everything whether bare root, in bark, rock, or moss — you may have nutrient issues and your plants won’t be at their best. Maybe someone much, much, much more experienced like Ray from First Rays or others can jump in here and advise if I’m off target. Ray had a retail nursery for decades. I just know greenhouses I’ve been in (all kinds) or worked in are changing their nutrients during different stages of growth, media, and times of the year all the time. Thus I don’t think we can just pick one and use it 24/7, 365 days and expect top plants.
I also just noticed JR Peters has a line (also no urea) that can be customized for your water and type of plants for all stages and comes in a kit bucket to use as directed depending on stages of growth, bloom, fruiting, and all nutrients. Called Jacks Nutrient Kits - each ingredient comes in 2 kB packages, a lot better than having to buy 25 lb bags of each needed nutrient. Might be pricey if you have just a small collection but don’t know. The important thing to remember is plant fertilization is a matter of chemistry, science and a little math thrown in. It’s usually best left to those highly versed in such things or you can get yourself in trouble. They use to tell me I’d need those math, chemistry and science classes I hated so much and I didn’t believe it until I started trying to get serious about my orchids and other potted plants. It’s much different then when planting a plant in native soil outside — Mother Nature, rain,MSU shine, and good ole dirt will adjust for many things within reason. But when you have to provide every nutrient a plant needs, and not cause chemical issues — that’s a different ball game. Don’t stop learning all you can, but find a pro whose willing to help.
But also I think, for what it’s worth — you have to get your environment right first before you start changing fertilizers and adding this in or that. Nutrients are super important, but if your plants aren’t getting the correct light, humidity, temps, air circulation, air exchange, for the type along with proper watering and paying attention to your media — well you can spend hundreds on nutrients and still have dead or underperforming plants. And for those of us who grow in the home, it can be tough for us to meet their needs all year. I get mine doing well in the summer outside and then mid way through winter we begin a slow decline until summer rolls around again. Summers are my saving grace — plants can sorta thrive instead of just surviving. Best of luck.
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