Epsom Salts

[dlkc]

I was wondering if anyone has ever used epsom salts to encourage strong blooms.

If so, how much do you use per gallon?
How does it work?

Thanks!

[Gage]

I have the same question. Thoughts anybody?

[Jennyfleur]

Hi guys, I've tried it. I can't give you exact quantities until I check how much my watering-can holds (which I can do tomorrow). I gave a solution to a couple of my phals once a month for four months and compared them to my other phals. One thing I found was that, it didn't induce spikes any quicker than they would normally produce them and the bloom quality was pretty much the same (when they did eventually produce). However, it may have been my imagination, but I thought the leaves went a bit greener (?!)

It could be that I diluted the salts too much or I didn't fluch with the solution frequently enough, as I know some folks have said they used them once and ended up with magic things happening.

Since the salts are essentially magnesium sulfate, if you switch to bloom-type fertilisers, they should have a higher magnesium content and help support the blooms as they are forming anyway.

[Gage]

Thanks Jenny! I think I will add that to my routine.

[tucker85]

I use Epson salts once every month or two. In his book on growing orchids in Florida, Martin Motes, recommends it. He says that our water down here doesn't provide enough magnesium because of the high pH and high phosphors content. I use 1 tablespoon per gallon when I spary. I've done it for a couple of years and I can't remember if I saw a difference when I started. Hopefully I'm preventing any deficency.

[Ray]

Epsom Salts does not directly affect blooming, but the added magnesium can help if you need a boost, as it's a major player in chlorophyll.

I have used as much as two tablespoons per gallon, but if you do a back-calculation from the Mg content of MSU fertilizer, it's equivalent to about 3/4-1 tsp/gal monthly.

[silken]

I use epsom salts every now and then at the rate of 1 tbsp. per gallon of water. I have read that it makes the leaves a brighter green, nothing about bloom booster. Tomato plants love it too.

[RJSquirrel]

I used to add epsom salts and pelletized lime to my rainwater. I found out Peters did that already with the PetersCal/Mag.

http://everris.us.com/sites/default/files/15-5-15.pdf

a user friendly solution,I use the weakly weekly method, every time I water .


no special dates, times of day ,mixing cups made of un-obtanium or a degree in calculus needed to use it

[dlkc]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I may try it!

DLKC

[Jennyfleur]

Well, unless you go overboard, you won't do any harm. Let us know how you get on