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[INDOOR-GARDENING:132] Re: orchids

In a message dated 2/9/99 12:02:07 AM Eastern Standard Time, ECPep@aol.com
writes:

<< ood sense to have the root system moist before
 introducing fertilizer.  One more question folks, balanced fertilizer
 20-20-20?  Do you ever use fish emulsion.  This has worked well for epiphytic
 ferns.

My fall back is 20-20-20.
At the suggestion of Venemy Orchids in Brewster, I use hi nitrogen for orchids
potted in bark.  For all orchids which have just finished blooming, I
alternate (when I think of it) a hi nitrogen (first number) with 20-20-20.
Many orchids bloom on new growth so one secret is to get as much new growth
(promoted by nitrogen) as possible before the blooming season.  I keep markers
in my orchids telling when they bloomed. On the dendrobiums, some also bloom
on old growth.  You can tell if an orchid likes its fertilizer as it often
shows its new healthy roots above the surface.  When it is near the plant's
blooming time or when the plant begins to spike, I change to a fertilizer with
higher middle number (phosphorus) which promotes bloom.  
 
By the way, I have found that those orchids which make keikis readily should
only be given high phosphorus fertilizers as high nitrogen promotes many
keikis and not so much bloom.

Batya Levin, Bronx, NY
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