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Feb 26, 2020 9:48 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Fred Wilson
Oregon, Bend (Zone 6a)
Orchids
Hello! I'm not a beginner in gardening but I've just started to grow my orchids. I have a question about MSU fertilizers. As I understand, it is called because of the nutritional program at Michigan State University (that's why MSU). I've read some articles like this one http://www.aos.org/orchids/add... and they say this fertilizer is the best for orchids. And in this review, it has good points https://www.backyardstyle.com/.... I'm not sure if it is really the best one because some people say it depends on water supply (in other words wich water do you use). Is that true? Can I use it when I grow them at home?
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Feb 27, 2020 4:54 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
It is a good fertilizer to use but there are several more out there.

When I lived in South Florida from 2009-18, many orchid growers used it due to very poor quality of the water. They had to use Reverse Osmosis water systems that took everything out of the water. So many used the Cal-mag in feeding their plants.
Down there magnesium deficiencies were very common. One sign was excessive redness in new Cattleya growths and a reluctance to bloom. People felt that the Cal-mag improved-things for them. But if you have it already, then use it.
But like I said, there are others around. Over my 45 years of growing, I have used Miracle grow, Mir-acid, Champions, Orchid Plus, Dynamite and now Jack's, ALL in an even strength blend like 20-20-20. All at 1/2 teaspoon per gallon!!
Unless you are growing things like Catasetinae, Cymbidiums Or Vandas that need extra feedings, once every three weeks is plenty during their active growing season. During colder months, once a month. You can over feed many types of Orchids and you essentially get healthy leaf growers that bloom irregularly. Fertilizer is meant to support plant growth. One can easily over do it!!!
There was a belief years ago that a Blossom Booster, a fertilizer with a higher middle number like 10-30-20 was a good supplement to promote more flowers. That has been debunked now!!
The BEST THING that you can do is grow the healthiest plants you can with the best root system that you can and they will bloom like crazy. You need to repot often. Unhealthy, sickly plants with a poor root system seldom bloom. Fertilizer does NOT cure BAD growing!!!
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Last edited by BigBill Feb 27, 2020 4:56 AM Icon for preview
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Feb 27, 2020 8:48 AM CST
Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
See you in the funny papers!
Charter ATP Member Frogs and Toads Houseplants Keeper of Poultry Vegetable Grower Region: Maryland
Composter Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Region: United States of America Cat Lover Birds
What more can be said? Great info, Bill.

Fred I got enthused about my cheap orchids two years ago. And have done pretty well by them. I got MSU. But also bought a Phalaenopsis potting mix from a big supplier that arrived with about 90 percent sphagnum, which Bill has me understanding now that can be pretty challenging to grow in. So, potting style and general care is certainly another big thing.
Plant it and they will come.
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Feb 27, 2020 11:10 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
Wind me up.
Ask me a question and I'll spill the beans!!
I hoped it would be helpful to some one.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
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