How much water do you use everytime you water an orchid?

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by jrodpad

I admit, I'm a bit of a water hog when I water my orchids. I've stopped watering the lawn altogether though, so I'm probably saving water on balance.

I have started throwing the excess orchid watering water over the lawn. We had a really really dry spell (which thankfully now is over) and the lawn really needed water but not wanting to waste it I just kept emptying the orchid pots over it!

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Ray

It seems to me that watering first, followed by the application of fertilizer leads to less absorption by the plant.

Think of the velamen as a sponge. Dip a dry sponge in fertilizer solution, and it absorbs 100% fertilizer solution. Dip it in water first, then into fertilizer solution and it will be mostly saturated with water, absorbing very little of the fertilizer.

That, by the way, was common practice back when plants were typically fed monthly using VERY strong fertilizer solutions, and it kept the plants from being "burned".

I'm glad you've commented on this Ray because I had a feeling they would not absorb enough and that's one reason I've always done it the way I do (adding the fertiliser to the same water I use for watering). Glad to here your opinion on this.

[Hedge]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Hedge, what brand do you use and where do you get it. Just wondering as you are in the UK if it's something I can get hold of.

Hi Rosie, it's Chempak, it's sold in small tubs, they are yellow printed on white, and it is usually in the houseplant section at my garden centres.

[RosieC]

Thanks Hedge. I've used a liquid Chempak one in the past so I'll look out for the crystaline one.