Color variation and fertilizers - Orchid Board

shadytrake · #1 09-13-2010, 03:02 PM

Have you ever noticed that your fertilizers can change the colors of your blooms?

I am starting an experiment for next bloom season.

This year's spring and summer blooms were much paler than when I first got my blooming orchids last year.

In particular the Oncidium Alliance red orchids bloomed pinkish which was not how they bloomed when I purchased them.

I would like the reds to be a true red instead of this pale pinkish washout. Any ideas as to a fertilizer to enhance that? I will not be changing the water as the Memphis water is great and is really balanced well for general orchid care.

They are currently getting a really weak MSU solution about twice a month.

The orchids that I am experimenting with are extremely hardy hybrids and bloom vigorously. One is a Wilsonara Hot Spot and the other is a Burr Stefan Isler.

Any ideas?

Pilot · #2 09-13-2010, 03:27 PM

I find temperature affects bloom color way more than fertilizer. If your plant is blooming, high probability it has the nutrition it needs, otherwise, it wouldn't be blooming.

tucker85 · #3 09-13-2010, 04:47 PM

As Pilot just mentioned, temperature can have an affect on the color of orchids. I have several Cattleyas that are very sensitive to temperature. The temperature seems to have the greatest affect during the actual bud formation and blooming cycle. I am not familiar with the idea of fertilizers affecting color but it certainly could be the case. Let us know the results of your experiments.

neb · #4 09-13-2010, 07:42 PM

I am not sure if it has been temperature related but I have noticed that more sunlight helps bring out flower color.

johnblagg · #5 09-13-2010, 08:24 PM

Dont have a clue about orchids but ph does affect many other plant bloom color sometimes extreamly ...hydrangea in acid soil is deep blue but in alkaline soil is deep pink ..and by adjusting the ph you can get any shade in between and even if your carefull a mix of both plus lavender.....

Interesting projsect for sure...

tucker85 · #6 09-13-2010, 10:42 PM

Ph? That's very interesting. There could be something to that.

SOS · #7 09-14-2010, 01:47 AM

Yes, temperature especially in the case of reds. Anthocyanin production will be greater in cooler temperatures, thus darker flowers.

Ray · #8 09-14-2010, 08:27 AM

Yep, temperature and light play far greater roles than does fertilizer chemistry.

shadytrake · #9 09-17-2010, 10:32 PM

Well I guess that is why my Wilsonara is pinker since we have had a hell of a hot summer and I don't have cooling in my shadehouse.