Hi
the usual recommendation is "weakly weekly" I use the Better Grow type.
A friend, "specie collector " called my orchids "Floofy " and i ordered him off my property!! lol I refuse to use a glass to see the flowers lol gary

I love floof!

I use a combination of things. I use MSU for rain/RO water because I primarily water with both. I sometimes use Miracle Grow for roses, I like Normans Orchid Fertilizer. Sometimes I use a Seaweed fertilizer. Frankly it really doesn't matter that much.

I notice many orchid growers in Florida are using Dynamite fertilizer. It is a dry, time-release which you sprinkle on and is supposed to work for 6 months. I am quite impressed by the results I'm seeing. I might give it a try although I prefer hand fertilizing so I feel I have more control.

Fertilize primarily in Spring. You want to feed actively growing plants well. I feed full strength in Spring, especially in Florida. The heat and sun ask a lot from my plants. When orchids slow down or rest, I feed about 1/4 -1/2 strength. I do not feed every watering as my plants dry out quickly and some may need to be watered each day.

Jane

Jane said, "I do not feed every watering as my plants dry out quickly and some may need to be watered each day. "

Jane and Gary, thanks for the info - very helpful. Jane, how often do you fertilize in the Spring?

Thanks!
Carol

Carol, it varies depending on the media and the plant. But generally about once a week, full strength. Mounties, bare root, and those growing in rock get watered every day (I try). I dunk those in fertilizer water about once a week. Plants growing in bark, sphag, etc. get fertilized less because they dry out slower. They get fertilized when I water them.

I only do this when in growth. I slow it down when the growths are mature or when a plant is budded. I don't like to fertilize plants in flower. I might give them a very weak dose, but I've lost buds and flowers by fertilizing when blooming. This is a personal decision as others treat flowering plants differently, but I see no reason to risk my flowers by fertilizing.

Jane