Different fertilizers and stuff need help with a plan

[SHag42]

OK, Being the compulsive buyer that I can be at times. I have acquired more than I need for sure. Just every time I would read about something being good I would buy it to try. I would love to have some input on a plan to rotate these items I have or what would be the most beneficial use for them.
I have Miracle grow but decided to use it on my other plants after reading that orchids can't use urea.
So I bought
Better-gro orchid plus
Better-gro Better Bloom
Then for help with root growth I have bought
Superthrive
Seaweed
KLN

To much I know and keep seeing more things I want to try. But I need a plan to use them effectively. And not hurt my plants. It is my understanding that the KLN goes bad quicker so figure it is the one to use more often. But after reading about it on the label it worries me a bit with my pets. Oh and I also have Dip N Grow liquid rooting complex that more than likely I will just use on rooting's that I take from my house plants or shrubs. I know this is a mess that is why I need some ideas. I do understand that this is a personal preference and everyone has their own idea of what works. I just need some guide lines and then I can work on it from there. Thank you for your time and input.

[Skayc1]

I use better-gro orchid plus & seaweed extract.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by Skayc1

I use better-gro orchid plus & seaweed extract.

Thank you for the reply. Do you use them together every time or rotate use? I am doing the weekly weakly method.

[ZWUM]

K-lite and Kelpmax are the way to go IMO. You get explosive growth, especially with the roots, and overall healthier looking plants.

[billc]

The best thing you can do for your orchids is to be consistent in your culture. Once you have the basic needs met and the plants have settled in then you can start tweaking with ferts and mix. Orchids are very adaptable but if you start changing everything each time you read something new you'll never figure out what really works.


Bill

[Skayc1]

no I alternate between each plus one time without giving weak doses.

[Ray]

Basically, you overbought:

1) There is no such thing as a bloom booster fertilizer. The two fertilizers you purchased can be used alone, alternately, or blended. Using the "Bloom" one is not going to give better blooming.

As Skayc1 said, use weak doses. Personaly, I now recommend about 50 ppm N at every-, or 3 out of 4 waterings. (Divide 4 by the %N on the label. The result is teaspoons per gallon for 50 ppm N)

2) The K-L-N, seaweed extract, and SuperThrive are all root growth stimulants (hormones). They should never be used together, and should not be used more often than about every three weeks.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by Ray

Basically, you overbought:

1) There is no such thing as a bloom booster fertilizer. The two fertilizers you purchased can be used alone, alternately, or blended. Using the "Bloom" one is not going to give better blooming.

As Skayc1 said, use weak doses. Personaly, I now recommend about 50 ppm N at every-, or 3 out of 4 waterings. (Divide 4 by the %N on the label. The result is teaspoons per gallon for 50 ppm N)

2) The K-L-N, seaweed extract, and SuperThrive are all root growth stimulants (hormones). They should never be used together, and should not be used more often than about every three weeks.

Thanks Ray

Kind of figured I had went a little overboard. The reason I ended up with both the reg. fertilizer and the bloom booster was that I made a mistake and bought the bloom booster first. After reading I figured out that it was not what I needed to be using. Not sure if I will blend them which sounds like a good idea or just use the bloom booster once a month in place of the reg. As far as the others I knew the KLN and the Super Thrive were both root growth stimulants but not the seaweed. I thought it was more for giving the micro nutrients the plants needed. Glad to know that it is also a root stimulator and not to use it to often. I guess my best bet would be to just use the KLN once a month for now seeing as it goes bad quicker. And save the rest for later or maybe try one of them on a separate plant to see if I can tell a difference. again for all the info this gives me a better perspective on what I should be doing. And I will leave all my compulsive buying for orchids. I do know when to limit my self sometimes.

---------- Post added at 04:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:29 PM ----------

Originally Posted by billc

The best thing you can do for your orchids is to be consistent in your culture. Once you have the basic needs met and the plants have settled in then you can start tweaking with ferts and mix. Orchids are very adaptable but if you start changing everything each time you read something new you'll never figure out what really works.


Bill

Thanks Bill

Very good point and this is what I shall do. Just got a little excited about the whole thing. Hopefully with all the great advice I will be able to post pictures of beautiful, happy orchids soon.

---------- Post added at 04:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:37 PM ----------

Originally Posted by ZWUM

K-lite and Kelpmax are the way to go IMO. You get explosive growth, especially with the roots, and overall healthier looking plants.

Thanks for the input, I will look into that but no buying till I use most of what I have. Those 2 items will go on my wish list for a later time.

[RosieC]

I just used up bloom booster by using it occasionally in place of the other. I think you should be fine doing that, then stick with the other one when the bloom booster is used up.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I just used up bloom booster by using it occasionally in place of the other. I think you should be fine doing that, then stick with the other one when the bloom booster is used up.

Thank you Rosie for the good advice. I will make sure from now on that I do not get the bloom booster.
Took a look at all your orchid photos and they are beautiful. I would tell you which one I liked best but I can't decide they are so lovely. I like them all. You defiantly have a green thumb. I hope one day to grow orchids like that.