November 2005

Orchid U >> Past Issues Orchid RX
Volume I, Issue3
November 5, 2005
www.orchidsupplies.net

Fertilizer Use: It's All In The Numbers Most of us know that our orchids need to be fed, but selecting a fertilizer can be overwhelming. So many numbers, what do they all mean? 20-20-20, 7-9-5, 3-12-6, what do these numbers really mean to my plant? Let's break this down and keep it simple. The three numbers represent a percentage by weight in the total
package of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In simple terms, if you have a 30-10-10 fertilizer, 30% of the total package in nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Now some of you may have noticed that in this example we can only account for 50%. The other 50% could be trace elements, micronutrients, or just filler, you need to read the label if you really want to know. Now that you understand what the numbers mean, let's talk about what it means to your plant. Plants need elements in certain ratios in order to use them. The first number, nitrogen, is needed for the plant to have healthy vigorous growth above ground, also called vegetative growth. The second number, phosphorus, is needed mostly for flower development. Last but not least we have potassium, which provides the plant with overall health, such as resistance to disease, tolerance of heat and cold, and so on. Now that you understand what these numbers mean, you may be asking yourself why 7-9-5 and 30-10-10 are both said to be high quality growth formulas. There is a good simple answer for that. Both labels show a breakdown of micronutrients, which are needed for the plants health. The major difference between the two fertilizers is, one is a liquid and one is a powder. Powders always have a higher ratio because they need to be diluted in water. Liquid fertilizers also need to need to be diluted in water, but at a much lower rate.

Tip of the Month This is the time when you should be feeding your orchids with a bloom formula fertilizer to promote flowers. With the drop in temperature naturally at night over the past few months, your orchid should be setting bud right now. The bloom formula fertilizer gives your orchid the phosphorous it needs for beautiful vigorous flowers. Remember, never fertilize a dry plant, always water first, then feed. This will help to avoid root burn.

Question of the Month This month's question is from Judy L. in Pennsylvania Question: Where do I cut my flower spike off on my Phalaenopsis when it is finished blooming? Answer: This is a very good question. Phalaenopsis are one of the few orchids that will bloom again on the same flower stem. A typical flower spike has about four nodes. Nodes are swollen areas on the stem where growth hormones are stored. Nodes are usually visible without looking too hard. You should cut the stem down below the old flowers and just above the next node. This will encourage a new set of flowers to grow from the node. Once the spike is brown or brittle it is time to cut off the stem at the base of the plant.

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