root cocktail - Orchid Board

lupita · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2007, 09:46 PM

A new blog entry has been added:

root cocktail

Quote:

Hello Jasen.

I am very excited in trying your root cocktail for my bare root orchids, I wanted to be sure if the measuments of 2.5ml of blackstrap molasses and 3ml of KLN are correct.

Thanks.

Lupita.

gixrj18 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 12:01 AM

Yes, now is the perfect time to use this, you want these to be mixed with Blossom Booster (10-30-20). Winter is when you want to use this so that it will slow the vegetative growth of the plant, and concentrate on rooting. Except every 4-5 weeks, give it 20-20-20, so that it gets a little nitrogen. Then, in the spring, return to 20-20-20. I also give them 30-10-10 with epsom salt (4 times a year) followed a few days later by Blossom Booster 10-30-20. A commercial grower gave me this info, and it's worked so far, so I stick with it.

Buds! · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 04:01 AM

Hi Jasen,
How often do you use the Spring/ Winter cocktails?
Do you soak the roots or just spray on?
Last question, how much epsom salt in a 2.5 gal mix?

Thank you so much for sharing!

I am very excited by your recipes.

Cheers,
Buds!

gixrj18 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 09:15 PM

During the winter, I feed them the Blossom Booster mixture about every 7-10 days. I live in Florida, so I'm sure the frequency will vary according to climate....even when it's cold here, it still warms up in the daytime. I soak them using a 2 gal. pump sprayer, then I thoroughly soak it in with the water hose. Every 4th or 5th week, I give it 20-20-20. I keep this routine from Halloween to Valentines Day. For Spring and Summer, I return to 20-20-20 once a week, with a mid-week flush of water. Due to the heat, I also have misters hooked up on a humidistat, so they get misted a few times a day (in the Summer). As for the epsom salt, I use about 1tsp./gal.

Buds! · #5 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixrj18

I soak them using a 2 gal. pump sprayer, then I thoroughly soak it in with the water hose. .

Hi Jasen,
Please explain water hose part?

I just went to the Health Food Store and bought myself some molasses.
It is very kind of you to share. Some people in my orchid club are very secretive about what they feed their orchids...

So I really appreciate your 'cocktail' recipe.

Cheers,
Buds!

gixrj18 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 07:07 AM

I just like to wash the fertilizer through with water, so the salts don't build up as much.

lupita · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 01:04 PM

Hello Jasen.

I am getting my greenhouse built this weekend.

Today I received the last ingredient to make your cocktail recipe. I am very excited about it. hopefully my orchids will be healthier. I also bought CAL-MAG supplement and CLEAREX leaching solution also from botanicare. Have you tried them ?
How long do you think it will take for me to see results?
There are not many people that lke to share their secrets. I thank you very,very much for your help, and looking forward for my great results.

Lupita.

gixrj18 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 09:32 PM

Yes, I use Cal-Mag when the season changes (4 times a year). I've used Clearex before, but I just try to rinse everything through real well with water. Since it's winter, it may take longer to see results, and most results won't be seen if it's in a pot. Upward growth will slow and all the action will be below the surface.