Do organic additives cause burned leaf tips?

[dianecty]

Hi! I have been experimenting with my water. I put sugar, KLN, vinegar etc... in it. If I don't add normal powdered fertilizer that you buy in the store, will it still burn the leaves if they are over-fertilized with this other stuff?

Or is it just store-bought fertilizer that causes leaf burn or blackened leaf tips?

Thanks a lot!!

[Ray]

Plant physiology relies heavily on osmotic pressure through the cell walls. ANYTHING in to high of a concentration outside can affect the cell's internal chemistry in two ways: it can force too much of an unwanted ion into the cell, or - in a natural process to dilute the concentrate - extract water from the cells. Either can cause damage.

I'm no expert here, but I don't think the sugar is of much benefit to an otherwise healthy plant, and if you are not using a fertilizer, i'd bet you're cuasing some sort of nutrient deficiency.

[dianecty]

Ray, thank you for a very good answer to my complicated question.

I am using a regular fertilizer but if I keep putting it everytime I water, I think I might overdose the plants bec I water every other day. That's why I was thinking of just putting the other stuff and put regular fertilizer once or twice a week only - very diluted.

[quiltergal]

Diane I think you have way too many variables going on in your scenario. First of all I'm not sure what the chemical composition of sugar, vinegar and KLN becomes. Your PH could end up being off the chart acidic. Sugar? Why? If you start having problems it's going to be very difficult to diagnose what's causing the issue since you're basically pouring an unknown concoction into your chids. The other unanswered question is how does this cocktail react with fertilzer?

If they were my plants I would stick to fertilizing weekly and plain water flush the rest of the week if needed. Keep it simple! Orchids are complex enough!

[dianecty]

Hi! I think it is because of my curious and experimental nature. I have gotten into trouble a lot of times because of this.

I always like to see what will happen if I do this or that.

Let's see what happens.

[Learner]

Diane
I agree with quiltergal
Adding sugar probably does nothing for the plant because in it's simple form, photosynthesis produces sugar. The sugar in the solution could upset the osmotic balance as Ray suggested and your plants might not be able to take up water as readily as they should. A little vinegar will lower the pH unless the water has a high buffering capacity (this is a subject in itself). The active ingredients in KLN are two hormones that are not listed on the label for some reason. I don't know how they react with the other compounds you are mixing in this stew.
I think experimentation and exploration are wonderful, but the chemistry can be a little complex and you could be doing some harm to your plants.

There is an old concept in science....the simplest answer is probably the best.

[quiltergal]

Good old Achem and his razor...

[Ray]

Isn't that "Occam"?

[Learner]

Yes, it is Occam. I guess the objective of shaving down the variables to only those that directly have an influence is why a "razor" is needed.