Fertilizing orchids

10 years ago

I'd like some input in how to fertilize orchids (phals more specifically). I've read to alternate between blooming and growing fertilizers depending on where an orchid is at in its grow cycle. At the same time, generic orchid fertilizers instruct to use the one fertilizer every month. What works best?

Featured Answer

Darlene (GreenCurls)

10 years ago

I find that deciding how to fertilize is up to each grower's environment, water quality, and judgement. So it is not always a simple conversation. Everyone has a different opinion. However, most will tell you to ignore the label and fertilize more frequently at a weaker dosage than the labels imply.

Here is what I do: I fertilize with every watering using .25-.5 teaspoons per gallon. I generally use the MSU formula fertilizer or Dyna-gro Gro or Bloom. I switch to the bloom late summer to late fall, but I have not noticed a difference. Once I use all of the Dyna-gro Bloom I will just go back to the MSU full time. I add CalMag and a mirco-nutrient pack once a month. I think I have a solid fertilization regime, but it is not stellar. Most importantly it works for me and 90% of my collection. And it has worked well for my Phals in the past.

I like the way First Rays explains fertilizing: Explaining fertilizer dosage You may want to look at some of his other articles also.

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Comments (6)

spacecowmoo
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, Darlene. Also, I tend to water my orchids with water from my fish tank. Does this mean that I should cut back on a regular fertilizer? I'm also wondering if you flush your orchids with non-fertilized water regularly?
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jane__ny
10 years ago
Where do you live? Where are your orchids growing?

Conditions really dictate how to fertilize. More info would be helpful.

Jane
spacecowmoo thanked jane__ny
spacecowmoo
Original Author
10 years ago
I live in Southwestern Ontario (Canada). Orchids are mostly phals, but also 2 vanillas. They are in southeast facing window. Media for phals is generic orchid bark mix, for vanillas is mix of bark and moss. One of the vanillas is in a vivarium with lid open for increased air flow.
Darlene (GreenCurls)
10 years ago
SCM - I am not sure how the aquarium water should impact your fertilizing routine. lt would depend on which nutrients at what concentration are in the water. You could try alternating between aquarium water and regular fertilizer water and see how the Phalaenopsis respond.

I flush my orchids with plan ro or rain water every month or two. I flush more frequently when I increase the amount of fertilizer I am using. The increase happen during the growing season when temps and light increase.
spacecowmoo thanked Darlene (GreenCurls)
mommas_secrets
10 years ago
The plants you buy here in North America originated in Mexico or another tropical island or country. Discovering where it is from will give you ideas on it's growing and flowering seasons. Enjoy it for the season you bought it...then love it dearly till it adapts to your seasons.
spacecowmoo thanked mommas_secrets