Phrag Pearcei not growing?

[madphrag]

As far as how often to water, I'd only be taking a shot in the dark if I made a suggestion. Everyone's growing environment is different and it's all about hands on experience for your particular situation. Same goes for fertilization. Phrags are not heavy feeders but what they benefit the most from in a well balanced fertilizer are the minor elements in the formula. IMO, 30-10-10 is way to much NPK for Phrags and it will certainly show as the leaf tips start dying back. So, if you cut back to 1/8 tsp. per gal. you also have diluted the minor elements to the point that they are of little significance to the plant. If I were you I'd try to get in touch with the man you met for expert advise.

[Bob]

I meant to ask, Mitch - why do you have that pearcei in a clear pot?

[madphrag]

I meant to ask, Mitch - why do you have that pearcei in a clear pot?

Every orchid I have that is potted in conventional medium are in clear plastic pots. Makes it much easier to monitor the health of the roots.

[Bob]

Someone just suggested I cut off the spike and let the new growth have the energy. Opinions?
That would be hard for me to do. I keep watching for more growth, but I'm beginning to accept it's not coming.

[madphrag]

I certainly would. As I said before, it looks like a nice healthy division and new growth has started. Give it time to fill the pot up with new growth and you'll thank yourself next blooming cycle. Good Growing.

[Bob]

You were right ( I really knew you were, just couldn't bring myself to cut the spike). When I did and sliced the bud open, it was beginning to rot.
Think I'll change my watering habits - I'm going to remove the pebbles from the water trays, let the pots stand in the water until it has evaporated,
and water every 2 or 3 days. Going to try the liquid MSU fert. also. That stuff must be very different - everything else suggests 1/8 to 1/2 tspn. per gal.,
this is suggesting 2 TABLESPOONS!

[madphrag]

MSU is what I use. Even though there are no directions on my bottle, I've never used more than 1 tsp. per gallon.

[Bob]

Thats what I thought. ---- vendor information removed - see faqs on posting ---- The instruction sheet that came with says -"1oz/gallon in fall/winter and 1.5 oz/gallon in spring and fall, one ounce equal
to 2 tablespoons." So they're actually saying 3 tbsns/gal in the summer!
Even the granular says 3/4 tsp in fall/winter and 1 tsp/gallon spring/summer.
I'm a bit sceptical, but I assume they know how to use their product. Maybe I'll start with 1 tblsp. or call for reassurance.

[madphrag]

I could be wrong, Bob. I'll have to go to my vendors website and see if I can find more info.