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fertilizing orchids

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by jai, Aug 12, 2015.

  1. Aug 12, 2015 #1
    jai

    jai Orchid addict

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    Is it safe to use a 7-7-7 fertilizer on orchids?
    And I wanted to start fertilizing every time I mist maybe, does anyone know a dilution I should use to be able to mist everyday?
     
  2. Aug 12, 2015 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Jai, I grow in a greenhouse and mist everyday with 1/4 strength in the growing season and a bit less in winter. Theoretically you might want to use something a bit more dilute since you probably have less light, but I don't really know that.
     
  3. Aug 12, 2015 #3
    jai

    jai Orchid addict

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    Thanks, I get a lot of light but no direct unless I bring them outside, what fertlizer do you use? Have ever tried making your own(organic)?
     
  4. Aug 12, 2015 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I use MSU (Michigan State University) for RO water. No, I've tried a lot of different fertilizers over the years but I've not tried making my own. This is the best I've found and am happy with it. I do supplement with some other things from time to time.
     
  5. Aug 13, 2015 #5
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    I also use RO water, and a fertilizer formulated for that (I buy it from First Rays). I also use about 1/4 teaspoon/gallon every time, using a spray tank to mist the mounted plants in my small collection (and a little stronger for watering potted plants, again every time).
     
    lindamarie likes this.
  6. Aug 13, 2015 #6
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    My philosophy on feeding is based upon the fact that orchids in nature get very little nutrition, but they get it more-or-less constantly, or at least at the beginning of every rain, as it washes deposits and exudates down through the forest canopy. Analyses of some of those "throughfalls" and "trunk flows" show the concentration to be no more than 15-25 ppm TDS.

    As I don't feed daily or maybe even several times a day, I increased my fertilizer concentration to 25-35 ppm N, which is about 100-125 ppm TDS with the MSU RO formula Marni mentioned, or the K-Lite formula derived from it. I feed at every watering, which can be every other day in summer, and as little as once a week in the gray days of winter.

    I am also of the opinion that foliar feeding is pretty much a waste of time with orchids. I'm not saying it doesn't work, just that it's inefficient, due to the protective coatings they tend to have to reduce water loss. Those with thin, less coated leaves (cymbidiums, lycastes, etc.) probably take up more than do phalaenopsis.