Withholding fertilizer after repotting

[yousillygirl]

I've heard about people withholding fertilizer after repotting - just wondering, is there actually a scientific basis for this or is it just anecdotal?

And does it actually work/ help?

[james mickelso]

There is enough nitrogen in your new potting mix to last awhile. At every watering some nitrogen is pulled into the media. I would let the plant acclimate to it's new surroundings before fertilizing. And unless your plant has nice healthy roots, I would wait until it does before fertilizing.

[dounoharm]

a plant under stress does not, and can not use fertilizer....so, when you repot, you clip or disturb the roots....while the plant is re establishing its root system It cannot uptake fertilizer....actually, I don't even water for ten days to two weeks after repotting to allow the plant to recover from the shock....works best for me, good luck!

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

There is enough nitrogen in your new potting mix to last awhile. At every watering some nitrogen is pulled into the media. I would let the plant acclimate to it's new surroundings before fertilizing. And unless your plant has nice healthy roots, I would wait until it does before fertilizing.

Ah, but like I do, what if you re-pot into rocks where there is no "nitrogen?" Where would those plants be getting the fertilizer from in nature? Obviously with the seasons there would be a certain amount of migratory birds, thus more fertilizer. Otherwise the chance that a gekko would sit on one and do its business is not a regular thing. I keep on thinking these plants are in the air in nature and they get their sustenance from or on the branch of a tree. That is why they are light feeders. Not much stuff on the branch of a tree.


Right?

[james mickelso]

They are very light feeders in their natural environment. We force feed them. Most of their nitrogen comes from the air in rainfall. Lightning produces most of the nitrogen plants feed on. You can even feed most plants through their leaves. The undersides to be exact. Very diluted of course. I pot in lava cinder and feed my orchids at every watering. Very lightly. It works for me. but without much root material the plant can't take up the nitrogen or much of anything else. Thus seaweed extract isn't available either. But the orchid has enough reserves to establish itself making roots and at least a leaf where you can then start a nutritian regimen.