Fertilizer for Dendrobium nobile

[jasolano]

I just got my third orchid yesterday, and it's a dendrobium nobile. I also bought a fertilizer called, "Jack's Classic Orchid Bloom Booster" it's some type of 3-9-6 mix. I have one Phal that's in bloom, and the Dendrobium which is also in bloom. I was planning on using this stuff on my blooming Phal, but I was wondering if it's safe to use on the Dendrobium. My third orchid which is a Phal isn't in bloom at all. In fact, I cut down both of it's spikes so it would concentrate its energy on the new leaf. Should I fertilize any of them? If so, which one? I've read that orchids should be fertilized every two to three weeks, but I wanted to get advice from a real person instead of reading instruction on the back of a bottle or medium bag.

[opaline]

Hi jasolano! In my opinion there is no need to fertilize a blooming orchid with bloom booster or general fert. at this point.. Not heard of the product however if the non bloom orchid is young obtain a orchid fertilizer that is specially formulated for root and leaf growth i.e high nitrogen feed for general growing health. All fertilizers in general must be done in weak quantities at reg. intervals. Once your blooming chids are done and these are also young, remove spike and use general fertilizer to encourage general health and strength. Dendrobium will benefit from a general fert. routine as for the bloom booster let it mature a bit then apply. Im sure other members will offer their two cents' from their experience and expertise so you will be able to obtain a general census.

[espranch]

YOU WHAT? Did you say you cut off a spike? That is sacrilegious! Do you know how long it takes to grow a spike? And how long MOST of us wait to see our orchids produce one? I can hardly believe this...Betty :-(

[opaline]

Calm down Betty.!!!!!!Your obviously in shock.! Atleast it was done with good intentions, for the love of an orchid.

[jasolano]

Now I feel really bad... The orchid was done blooming, and I tried to see if it would branch off and grow a secondary off of the original spike , but it didn't grow. It is however growing more foliage which is why I had been advised to cut the spike down to allow the chid to concentrate it's energy on growing it's new leaf. I feel really bad now if I was told wrong.

Yes, I do love love these plants dearly. I've grown attached especially to the chid that I've had for a year now. While I do love to see its flowers, I also know that forcing it to rebloom is not always the best thing for it.

[angela]

Jasolano
Sorry you cut the spikes on the Phal. In some Phals. after a spike has stopped flowering you can cut the spike down to just above one of the nodes and it will flower again from that same spike. Generally I do not cut my spikes unless they are showing signs of drying off or I am doing a repot.
I agree with the advice given in the other posts regarding fertilizing.
Cheers.
Angela.

[Zozzl]

I think the best way to fertilize is to do it very, very weakly. I never use the strength recommended on the container, especially with the blue fertilizers. It is really easy to burn the roots with those. If you use 1/4 of whatever they recommend you would likely be okay.

[jasolano]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I just want to learn more and do the best I can for my orchids.

[espranch]

This is exactly the way I fertilize MY orchids. Haven't had a burned tip yet! Plain water every fourth watering...Betty

I think the best way to fertilize is to do it very, very weakly. I never use the strength recommended on the container, especially with the blue fertilizers. It is really easy to burn the roots with those. If you use 1/4 of whatever they recommend you would likely be okay.

[orcoholic]

jasolano,
Any fertilizer will work well. There is no evidence that a blossom booster will actually boost blossoming. If fact, there are studies to the contrary - at least on Phals..

I would go with a balanced fertilizer for the nobile, but only while it's growing during your spring, summer and fall. Continued fertilizing after that point will cause a nobile to produce keikis (baby plants) in place of flowers. In other words, stop fertilizing at the beginning of winter. You should also cut down on the water when you stop fertilizing, but keep watering lightly with only plain water.