Fertilizer

[Cruetsonly]

Hi,

I use the Baker's culture sheets a lot and I often read this about fertilizer:
"After new growth is mature, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus to allow the new growth to harden before winter and to promote better blooming the following season."

I currently use the liquid MSU fertilizer for pure water. Is there a fertilizer that anyone can recommend that has less nitrogen and more phosphorus so I can use it in the Fall?

Thanks in advance,
Lisa

[jrhennek]

Lisa

You are using one of the best fertilizers on the market . Why change?
There has been several reports written on use of low phosphate fertilizers for growing and blooming orchids. Year round use will give you great results.

Jayme

[Cruetsonly]

Thanks Jayme.

I'm not sure I 'want' to change, but I keep reading that I 'should' change in the fall, to promote blooming. I don't know if there's a better fertilizer that has 'less nitrogen and more phosphorus'. I keep reading to use it in the fall, but no one ever gives a name so I don't even know what to use. So far I've just been using the MSU year-round and it's been great, but I wonder if I could use something better for the fall season.

TIA,
Lisa

[quiltergal]

Lisa, I would think reducing the frequency of fertilizing in winter would essentially have the same effect. I think there have been studies done that show increased P does nothing to promote flowering. Too much N can prevent blooming. I've been feeding straight through at 125ppm N. Nearly everything I have is blooming or about to.

[AaronM]

If you want something high in Phosphorus try Better-Gro Orchid Bloom Booster. It is 11-35-15. I alternate with the regular fertilizer one week out of four year round. I think it's a good idea to mix things up a little. After all, in the wild an orchid isn't pooped on by the same bird (with a constant diet) at the same time each week.

AaronM