Fertilizer question
 

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Hi All, I'm new and totally obsessed. Curious about the fertilizer I'm using on 3 phals, 2 in bloom and 1 struggling. Schultz 19-31-17 mix for "all orchids". That ratio seems to differ from what I've read about. Should I be using something else?

the fertilizer you are using is intended to make blooms last longer. Lots of people on here use 20-20-20 as a balanced fert for the chids. I use the same one you do when they bloom and one with high nitrogen (the 1st number) when they are growing. There is nothin wrong with the one you are using though. I would recommend using it half strength, from what I remember that fert has instructions for monthly feeding (1 spoon per 2.5 gal) and for bi weekly feeding (1/2 spoon per 2.5 gal), I would follow the bi monthly feeding directions and cut it in half (or less) for weekly feeding. I suggest watering with straight water at least once every 4 waterings to flush it out. I also noticed with that fertilizer that if you mix up a big batch and try to keep it for the following waterings it kinda goes icky after a few days

The product you are currently using is usually classified as a "bloom booster" but the nitrogen level is alittle high and from material I've read, the higher nitrogen level will inhibit spike/flower production. The other thing is that the Schultz product gets its nitrogen from urea sources and some say the media orchids grow in don't have the necessary bacteria needed to convert urea nitrogen into a nitrogen form that can be used by the plant. Some growers say to use higher nitrogen food when you want vegetive growth and lower nitrogen to promote flowering. Ray (FirstRays) has written many excellent threads addressing this topic.

lol BikerDoc5968 we must have been writing that at the same time

Thanks to you both, I really appreciate the info.

Actually, I think the Schultz stuff, used at about a half teaspoon per gallon for three out of four waterings, is probably just fine.