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Thread: The right way to Fertilize Orchids?

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Posts
    49

    Question The right way to Fertilize Orchids?

    Ok, I know it might seem as an obvious question at first, but I have read a couple of books and they have two different ways. So I need your advice!

    Is it better to fertilize after a light watering? or is it better to fertilize when they are dry? I read that the roots can only absorb a certain quantity of water, so after watering them, are they able to take advantage of the fertilizer? Hellppp!!!!


    Veronica

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    7,068

    Default

    Hi Veronica,

    Without answering your question, I sort of cover both needs - fert and water - by filling the sink with fertilizer/water/other additives, and then bottom soak all my plants.

    The only drawback with this method is that by sharing the water, if there's disease, it could spread. My plants are in my apartment, however, and don't go outside so this hasn't been an issue.

    Julie

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Rollinsford, NH
    Posts
    475

    Default Fertilizing

    From everything I had read, and through my own practice, it is better to water lightly first with plain water and then with water with fertilizer. That way you avoid burning the roots. Some people even water lightly with plain water again afterwards to flush out excess salts that are present, but I don't really do this at the moment considering how dry the air in my apartment is (I keep the heat on in my orchid room...drafty mill building, otherwise it gets cold real fast), I am almost constantly watering (to a point...watering without drowning, or letting the plants dry out completly...except for those dendrobiums and others with substantial psedobulbs, I let them dry off for a couple days before I water again).

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Posts
    49

    Default

    Would it make a difference if my orchids are outdoors? I live in Miami and it gets pretty humid in the summer time.

    Thanks fot the info guys!!!!

    Veronica

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