Hey Hollie, welcome , msu fertilizer from what I understand has a lot of the other needed chemicals rather than just the basic three.
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Hi! I am new to sh i have just planted all my orchids in hydroton, i have been reading about msu fertilizer, why is this one so differtent from other fertilizers? also i am using superthrive, does any one else have experience with this?
Hey Hollie, welcome , msu fertilizer from what I understand has a lot of the other needed chemicals rather than just the basic three.
Hi Hollie,
I have read good things about MSU, but haven't tried it. Most people I've asked have told me to save the extra money and just use something like Miracle Grow, so that's what I've been using. So far, so good. My orchids seem quite happy with that, whether in s/h or bark.
Glad to have you here.
MSU isn't just a balanced fertilizer, but you don't have to switch to a bloom booster. Michigan state university (MSU) developed it particularly for orchids. There was a big write-up about it in Orchids--I'll bet a quick search of the web would find it for you. virgilspells is right--there are trace nutrients in MSU that aren't found in all balanced fertilizers. It is good stuff.
I also ahve used SuperThrive to promote root growth during the growing season. I wouldn't use it on plants settign buds as it can (not always) give you funky blooms. And go easy on it--a little goes a long way. I generally use 1/2 to 1 tsp per gallon at most for general use. For young plants--just out of flask etc, even that much can burn the leaves. I just mix the SuperThrive in with my fertilizer and water--and then water the plants. You don't need to do this every week--once a month or twice at most is probably sufficient.
thanks for the info, I have had my first two orchids for 3 yrs and have been adding different orchids for a year now! I live in a apartment that is over run with orchids and houseplants! I now have 24 orchids and 30 or more house plants, I am loving every minute of them! so far all my orchids are looking good, I have been reading alot about semi hydro and like what ive read, I also bought a orchid that was potted this way and its doing great! bear with me as i will probably drive you all crazy with questions on orchids! thanks!
Like to know about the growing orchids in hydroton. Is it same as semi-hydroponics or you just use it as a medium and water/fertilize them as normal. Could you help with growing orchids in hydroton.
I tried semi-hydroponics for my phalaenopsis and it died because it was sitting in water I believe the root rot. I couldnt get the exact level water, pot size, how often to refill etc.
Regards,
Rejin M.Jayarajan