Should I use fertiliser if it gets wet

[ArronOB]

Hi.
The fertiliser I use for orchids is granular. It looks like pink salt. One packet lasts me about a year, however although it starts out dry by about half way through it’s usually got a lot of moisture in the packet. I don’t exactly know how moisture gets into the packet - but it gets quite damp.

Should I be using this, or discard it?

FWIW : the packet says it 22.2 / 3.7 / 14.0 (Npk) + trace elements and added vitamin B1 and amino acids. Made in China and sold under a local brand (Manutec). It’s from a box store so I doubt it’s high quality - but it is convenient.

I also buy a companion product which is supposed to enhance/support flowering - though I don’t much use that.

Cheers
Arron

[AnonYMouse]

Does it have an option/direction to dissolve it in water? If it isn't a "slow release" I would dissolve it anyway and feed that way (if damp, it isn't going to disperse evenly). The efficacy may be compromised but I doubt it will be harmful.

You can try and store it with desiccant packs in the future.

[ArronOB]

Yep, sorry, it’s intended to be dissolved in water.

Cheers
Arron

[Ray]

It should be fine, if inconvenient.

You can no longer use it by weight, due to the added water, but a volumetric estimate ought to be fine.

For a fertilizer containing 22%N, I'd recommend about 1/3 ml/L, if used weekly.

[ArronOB]

Ok, thanks