Orchid plant food advice for an orchid growing newbie?
In the spirit of full disclosure, I admit I am an orchid newb as far as actually growing orchids. But I've done my research/reading the past couple of days on basic orchid care before I bought them. In my orchid education, I've read a few different things on plant food for them. Two things have stayed consistent with all websites I've visited on the subject of orchid food: 1) use a balanced fertilizer (some say 10-10-10; others 12-12-12) and 2) use a quarter of what the label instructions say. When I was shopping today for liquid plant food and other orchid supplies, I couldn't find any that were balanced; it was mostly 12-4-8. Which got me thinking: I wonder if I could use worm castings? Ya know, a light dusting of castings every week or so right before watering. I know that in their natural environment they would get no such thing, but it's all natural, full of nitrogen, and who knows? Maybe they do get something similar to worm castings as far as its chemical composition out in the wild. I'm curious to see if anyone's tried it and how it worked for them.
Randy, check your link: Question deleted. Epic fail.
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2 comments
12-4-8 at 1/4 strength is just fine. Water your orchid well before fertilizing. I good watering every time you water will help leach accumulates salts from prior fertilization. After you have watered and let it drain, go ahead and fertilize. Twice a month is fine. You can do it weekly if you want, but be sure to flush well every watering.
Organic fertilizers don’t tend to work well due to the nature of the potting media. It does more to clog up air circulation or flush out of the pot before it has a chance to break down to supply nutrients.
Get into the habit of researching the particular Genera or Alliance your orchid belongs to for care. There is a wide variety and many have particular requirements for survival and bloom.
Try this.
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