| I am a novice orchid grower and am unsure about when to use fertilizer. I have read both weekly-weakly and also read other places to fertilize on a bi-weekly basis. Specifically, do you recommend continuing fertilization when the flowers have faded; for example, when a phalaenopsis finishes blooming and you cut back the spike to generate additional growth, should you continue to fertilize? Also, when a cattleya finishes blooming and you cut off the spike but there is also some new growth on the plant, do you continue to fertilize? If you could please also comment on Bloom Booster. Thanks!! |
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Debbie - Louisville, Kentucky - USA |
| Debbie, both methods of fertilizing are correct. It's all personal preference. There is no reason to stop feeding when the plant finishes blooming. The plant is still growing. Most growers apply a bloom booster once a month in lieu of one of the regular feedings. More information can be found in our Orchid Culture section. Thanks for the question and for visiting the EEOS web site. |
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Bob Stipe |
| Everyone seems to fertilize differently. Personally, I fertilize my plants every 2 weeks in the growing season (March through September) and cut back to once a month in the cool season. |
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David Schaffter |
