"MSU Fertilizer" is the name of a number of original and knockoff formulas based upon the work of Dr. Bill Argo, and Michigan State University alumnus. The original (I cannot speak for the knockoffs, as I have not used them) is a good, complete formula that satisfies essentially all of the nutritional needs of a wide variety of orchid genera with no need of supplements or seasonal formula changes. It is commercially available in wide array of places.

Because I developed the concept, made up the name, and chose to do so. (But have chosen not to register it.)

Theoretically I could take legal action to stop people from using it without giving me credit, but what would that accomplish? As far as I'm concerned, we should be sharing stuff, not locking it up!

Hey Blake, I don't think people meant to criticize. Just trying to contribute. I wish you the best of luck too, but would urge you (as Violacea urged us) to keep an open mind. If you already know this stuff, just post an article or start a blog. But if you post a question, be prepared for answers you may not have though of, or might not like. :evil:

Here is a successful commercial grower that makes his own fertilizer. I dont use it - the quantities of basic salts are not available in small enough quantities to be practical and I dont like the high phosphorus content but it does go along with the discussion in this thread and I would like to see what others think. Casa de las Orquideas Fertilizer Data

Nights are cool here at about the same temps 24 degrees) as well. Nights aren't usually cool other than in the cool season. Come February, the nights will be mid to higher 30's and days around 45 celcius.

I'd go with the compost tea route because it will supply your orchid with natural nutrients and if done properly, beneficial micro-organisms that may help encourage immune system and natural plant defenses. Also these micro organisms may combat pests and pathogens directly. Compost tea is also awesome because it's the extract of the nutrients without solid organic matter that may rot your plants, retain too much moisture, etc.

To get the best compost tea I'd recommend googling diy methods and looking for methods that involve aeration of the tea, which encourages the best beneficial micro-organisms as well as discouraging the brew from smelling like something straight out of hell. ;)

As long as you are using well composted material to make your tea, you are providing a much safer and more natural way for your plants to get the nutrients they need. No worries about salts that build up and hurt your plant. I would recommend using a nutrient test kit to find out your ratios of nutrients but if this worries you, why not use organic soil additives such as worm castings, bone meal, blood meal, that state the nutrient ratio on the packaging.

I don't know why people are so afraid of doing this home made natural fertilizer thing, while they wouldn't think twice about dosing their plants with synthetic chemicals and salts that may harm the plant, invite pests, and leach into the environment causing just as much harm, if not more than pesticides.

It is my hope that organic orchid culture will continue to develop and become popular as well as organic hydroponics....YES WE CAN!!! lol ;)

oops i posted this twice by accident, don't hurt me
 

I'd go with the compost tea route because it will supply your orchid with natural nutrients and if done properly, beneficial micro-organisms that may help encourage immune system and natural plant defenses. Also these micro organisms may combat pests and pathogens directly. Compost tea is also awesome because it's the extract of the nutrients without solid organic matter that may rot your plants, retain too much moisture, etc.

To get the best compost tea I'd recommend googling diy methods and looking for methods that involve aeration of the tea, which encourages the best beneficial micro-organisms as well as discouraging the brew from smelling like something straight out of hell.

As long as you are using well composted material to make your tea, you are providing a much safer and more natural way for your plants to get the nutrients they need. No worries about salts that build up and hurt your plant. I would recommend using a nutrient test kit to find out your ratios of nutrients but if this worries you, why not use organic soil additives such as worm castings, bone meal, blood meal, that state the nutrient ratio on the packaging.

I don't know why people are so afraid of doing this home made natural fertilizer thing, while they wouldn't think twice about dosing their plants with synthetic chemicals and salts that may harm the plant, invite pests, and leach into the environment causing just as much harm, if not more than pesticides.

It is my hope that organic orchid culture will continue to develop and become popular as well as organic hydroponics....YES WE CAN!!! lol

here's some links to get you started:

Notes on Compost Teas

NPR : Compost Soup, Ketzel Levine's Talking Plants

It seems to be a mystery. But if it works, it works. I just happen to have this curious mind that wants to know what I am using and feeding to my orchids. You know, they are like pets in a way.

Ah, so! You developed the concept and made up the name! And I take my hat off to your generosity. I guess it will give a lot of people satisfaction to do things your way, and it gives you the satisfaction that they do it your way too, proving your ideas are worthwhile!

We have the porous pellets here too, sold for hydroponics. What do I do next? Put it into a pot with holes and this into another pot of liquid nutrients? Did you invent the pots too?

This is very enlightening! There goes my old ideas about Thailand. But it might vary, right?

Tell me, can Vanda coerulea grow where you are? Usually intense blues require a cool climate, or so I thought. Am willing to change my mind.

Perhaps the key to success in growing orchids well in Thailand is the dryness? Nah, I have always felt that orchids require moisture. Am willing again to change my mind. Moist maybe, but they don't like being drowned.

:hmm I think Vandas grow here. I even think they grow REALLY well here too!!:rofl: YES of course they do!! I have just bought a couple show plants that are a cross between Rhynchostilis and Vanda. Actually to be totally serious now, Vandas, Rhyn. and cattleyas are VERY popular here along with many other varieties.

I got this from an orchid website here.

Vanda Strap leaves
When we talk about Vanda coerulea (Fa-Mui), the discovered in Thialnd. Not only Vanda coerulea but also the others are usualy cultivated in the climate best suited to them. Like Dendrobium and Cattleya. Vanda, the heat and humidity loving genera, is prolifically and extensively grown and hybridized in Thailand.

At our nursery, you will be excited with variety of its colors. Its spars are so long and healthy. If you like to grow Vanda, you would have completed satisfaction with Vanda & Ascocenda at Kasem Boonchoo Nursery. We are also very proud to be one the biggest Vanda nursery in Thailand.

Now, they are available in small seedling, Flasks, Seedling size, Blooming size and Plants with flowers (Seasonal) with hanging baskets.