Hi from a OB newbie. - Orchid Board

OrchidAmi · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:11 PM

Hi fellow OrchidBorders:

Just discovered this site today. I grow my orchids under lights much of the year and outside in the summer. I have been growing orchids using "organic" growing methods for over 20 years. It can be done sucessfully in spite of what the chemical lovers say. Would love to hear from others with similar experiences. For that matter, I would enjoy sharing orchid info with all kinds of folks.

OrchidAmi

Marty · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:26 PM

Hi OrchidAmi

Welcome to OrchidBoard !!! Glad you found us.

I keep dartfrogs with my orchids, so for me organic is the only way to go. Frog crap works great on orchids

justatypn · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:29 PM

Aboard Ami,its great that you have joined the friendliest orchid communities on the web. We have a great group of members who have alot to share in knowledge and am sure you do as well. I have never personally grown organically (if it's a word

) but the interest has crossed my mind. The OB offers it's members a personal

gallery for sharing pictures of our addiction. How many orchids do you raise?

Tindomul · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:29 PM

Welcome to the orchid board!!!! What are your organic methods. I have a whole orchidarium that gets frog poo galore, and nothing more. But for my other orchids, what other food can I possibly give them???
Thanks.

justatypn · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:34 PM

omg Marty, poop ... yuck ...

but if you think about it the outside exposure from where our little guys originated from is a far cry from being sterile...yep poop is good, just sounds nasty

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 11:21 AM

Hi ami...welcome and we're happy you've joined our community. We have a very diverse group of growers here...from home growers happily growing these beauties indoors, outdoors, in vivariums and greenhouses to professional growers and AOS judges!
As for sharing information...This IS The Place!!!

We'd love to hear more from you and we look forward to seeing some pictures of your 'chids.

We gather in the chat room each nightly starting around 8pm est, please join us there and meet some of your new friends

Anglo · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 01:17 PM

Hi OrchidAmi. I'm with you on the organic approach. Instead of chemical fertilizers, I use this stuff:
http://www.organic-garden-products.c...20Plant%20Food
It's readily available at Lowe's and at nurseries or garden centers, at least in my area. Plants love it and you don't have to worry about burning or salt build-up. Best of all, no chemical fertilizer can surpass it in promoting the growth, health, and blooming of orchids.

I also give mine some occasional mineral supplements whether they need them or not, and if they catch a drop of bird poop now and then during the summer, I think of that as a little bonus in the organic growing effort.

OrchidAmi · #8 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 10:51 PM

Bird droppings are definitely a natural for orchids unless they are too concentrated. Putting an orchid plant under a bird cage wouldn't be such a great idea . I suspect most folks here have a lot of common sense about such things. Another good fertilizer that can be used are the droppings of deer and rabbits and goats if you have access to them. They come already pelleted. A "tea'"can be made with the pelleted droppings and then diluted and added to your watering. These have a relatively low N level so won't burn the plants. Always start out with the very weak mixture just to be on the safe side.

Does anyone here practice vermiculture?????

OrchidAmi

Anglo · #9 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006, 03:40 PM

For plants growing in soil, earthworm castings are one of the most perfect sources of water soluble nutrients. I never thought about vermiculture in relation to growing orchids, but now that you mention it, it sounds like an excellent idea.

I suppose you could make a tea with earthworm castings and use them that way as an orchid fertilizer. Have you ever tried it?

OrchidAmi · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 02:42 AM

Castings make a great tea for orchids. Taking the liquid that drains from the vermiculture tub and mix it with water and a bit of molassas and airiate it for a couple of days. I use an old air pump from a fish tank. Then dilute it about i part tea to 5 parts water or even weaker. Don't get it on the leaves when you water. Again, weaker tea can be added to your regular watering cycle. Plants like it and it contains lots of trace elements. Try it on a few plants first to make sure they are happy with it. Of course, there shouldn't be any meat products in your worm castings and if you use organic produce it will be even purer. don't worry though if you don't use organic produce it still will work just fine.

OrchidAmi