I think I want to try a new fertilizer...suggestions?

[sand_tiger86]

I've used Better Gro orchid fert. for the past 5 years. I guess it's fine, but I've heard other things are even better. Does anyone with experience have some suggestions on what I might try?

[margo]

I just start using Nutricote (360 Day Slow Release) 13-13-13 few months ago and like it so far..... you only put it once a year.... havent figured how to give the mounted chids some food yet, but I will work on that

[pipsxlch]

I was thinking of trying a seaweed beased one, have heard good things about them and growth roots especially. Margo, I've seen bareroot vandaceous done with the fertilizer pellets sewn into a little mesh or net sac and then fastened to the rod/mount/plantstem whatever.

[TwoStems]

I've heard good things about the MSU mix. I picked some up a little while ago but haven't been using it long enough to notice changes.

[tucker85]

I've used many different fertilizers and they all seem to give me good results. Studies have shown that nitrogen from nitrate is more readily available to orchids than nitrogen from ammonium or urea. And of course, the fertilizer should contain micro-nutrients. I also like to use a seaweed suppliment at least once a month. My experience is that seaweed suppliments really make a difference although you still need to use a fertilizer.

One excellent fertilizer is Maxsea. It's a fertilizer with a seaweed extract mixed in. I had great results with it.

Norman's Optimal Orchid Nutrients is also and excellent product.

[Phalcycle]

Thank you for starting this thread!
So far, I've only used Mircle Gro, Better Grow, and Shultz orchid fertilzers because they were cheap/at my local garden center.
I'm looking to branch out and find better brands

[smurphr]

I just start using Nutricote (360 Day Slow Release) 13-13-13 few months ago and like it so far..... you only put it once a year.... havent figured how to give the mounted chids some food yet, but I will work on that

i do the same and i have a lot of mounted plants... i just sprinkle it on top of the mounts and try to poke a little down behind the plants or into the roots... doesnt work all the time but it makes me feel like ive done something...

[cakedaddy]

Personally, I don't stick to a single brand of fertilizer. I use a bit of this one here and a little of another there. I throw in some seaweed extract occassionally. Fish and Poop sometimes. The few swallows of beer left over from the night before...my plants seem to like my routine. Always weak ferts with the chemical being as balanced as I can get.
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[PaphMadMan]

Honestly, I use whatever water soluble fertilizer is cheapest or most easily available while trying for no urea, low-ish nitrogen and at least some micronutrients. Both my 38 years of orchid experience and my horticulture degree tell me that most orchid hobbyists constantly searching for a miracle fertilizer are wasting their time or convincing themselves they see a difference from fertilizer when it was really due to more attentive culture. Unless your environment and culture are already perfect it isn't the fertilizer that is holding things back.

[catasetum-ian]

just to add to what had been said so far, any fert that suits you the best but also IMHO, orchids or generally plants, prefer weak regular fertilizer than full strength fertilizer. MICRONUTRIENTS are essential.