Fertilizing in s/h culture
 

Just looking for some basic info as my online research is resulting in information overload. Ive been learning the importance of feeding to each specific plants needs, but looking for a baseline to start out with. I've recently changed 7 various orchids to s/h. Here is what I have: RO water, kelpmax, quantum-orchid probiotics, better gro 20-14-13. All orchids recently changed to s/h (within the last 7 days) are in a bright, shaded SE corner of my house, and are on a heated mat. Will hopefully have some proper plastic to help w humidity temporarily tomorrow.

I do not have any sort of tds or ph tester. Should I invest, if so, buy online or big box store?. Do you have the same, or similar fertilizer products? If so, what is your feeding regimen/strength? When you do the "clean flush", do you tip the pot slightly to try and drain the reservoir before flushing?

Thank you in advance for any feedback, much appreciated!

Following.

i'm about to order some fertilizers too... following along...

This is some good reading, written by the guy who invented S/H. It will take more than 30 seconds to read, though.

Semi-Hydroponics

Feeding and Watering - First Rays LLC

Thanks ES, of all the times I've been to rays site, I forgot about the dosage formula, that's a perfect starting point!

If the plants have only been transplanted in the last week, I wouldn't even feed them at all. Any existing roots are suffering from the move into what is to them, a somewhat "hostile" environment, and they are trying to survive.

Definitely use the KelpMax for the first three waterings before going to once a month, and you can use the Quantum Orchid as well (although there are better products that are less expensive).

When you see new roots growing, that's when to start feeding. How much to use will depend a lot on how often you water, and very little on the type of plant, believe it or not.

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback, much appreciated. Ray, I plan to switch to the inocucor (spelling?) when I'm out of the quantum, I'll be ordering more kelpmax anyways!