what about time release fertalizer
 

Most of my orchids (catts, cyms, zygos, oncs, phrag, ludisia) have now been out side for about a week in the Eastern Shore of MD. We are in the middle of a slow moving storm system and it has rained on an off for two days with projections for a full week. A week or so on no fertalizer shouldn't hurt but what if we have a rainy summer? I also just put in a rain barrel which does not have the pressure to use my automatic fertalizer system. Has anyone used time release fertalizer such as Osmacote?

I know I've been advised to use a time release one for my Cyms, for exactly the same reason.

I've bought a miracle grow one I'm planning to put in the pot when I repot soon.

Not sure on the others but as long as it's not too strong for the orchids I can't see it being a problem.

Rosie

Hi jk, I like Osmocote and use it for a lot of my orchids that need heavy feeding. I grow primarily in my home so feeding every week with liquid fertilizer is too messy and laborious.

Be aware that the release rate of Osmocote, and most other slow-release granule fertilizers, is somewhat dependent on temperature, so high temps = more fertilizer. I think this can be problematic in situations when the temperature spikes higher, as the release rate will suddenly go up and can 'burn' plants with too many salts. I haven't had a problem with that in my conditions, which stay pretty steady throughout the year.

Nutricote is the only brand I know of that is supposedly a true 'time-release,' where the nutrients are actually released at a steady rate regardless of temperature. I assume there is some contribution of moisture to the rates for all of these as well, as if the granules and media are dry there's nowhere to release nutrients into. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the subject will chime in?

--Nat

Nat,

I use Nutricote, also under another trade name of Dynamite, with a balanced 13-13-13 ratio of NPK. I apply generally in the spring when the weather starts to warm and always after re-potting a plant. I also fertilize weekly/weakly with a water soluble solution during most of the year. All my plants (cyms) are outside and this system works for me.

CL