David’s Monthly Orchid Tips

David’s Monthly Orchid Tips
David Off is a 3rd generation
member of the highly respected
WALDOR ORCHIDS family.

A Word on Fertilizer

Always remember N-P-K. Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potassium (or Potash). These
three macro nutrients represent the three
numbers, 20-20-20, 30-10-10, 7-9-5 etc, along
with other micro nutrients, that are found in
almost all of your fertilizers. Nitrogen encourages
green growth, Phosphorous helps to boost flower
size and number of blooms, and Potassium
strengthens the plant's immune system and
promotes strong roots.
We are asked constantly about whether it is
OK to use this or that brand, and the answer is,
your orchids will be happy just to get some food.
We recommend a balanced food for year round use.
Balanced means that the three macro nutrients are
fairly close to one another; for example 20-20-20.
Certain orchids such as Vandas and evergreen
Dendrobiums benefit from a Bloom fertilizer with
a higher middle number like 3-12-6.
Speaking of Bloom fertilizer, now is the time
before cool nights come, to start boosting your
phals with a higher Phosphorous fertilizer. Please
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
recommended strength.
Here is a great link to learn more about basic
orchid fertilizing techniques:
http://everything-orchids.com/orchid-fertilizer.html