FERTILIZERS: Mix of Bone Meal, Superphosphate, Cottonseed Meal, Blood Meal, Guano and Potash for Top Dressing

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

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It can be used but it has no advantage over others but lots of risk especially from the potash and blood meal. RMH
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Fertilizers Comments
FERTILIZERS: 30-10-10 Recommeded instead is 20-10-20 called Peters' Peat Lite Special, apparently better because of its nitrate nitrogen, instead of the more common ammonium nitrogen from urea. OIE86Sept. 0
FERTILIZERS: 30-10-10 for Plants in Tree Fern and Redwood Bark The formulation is suitable the year round. A73-991 0
FERTILIZERS: 30-10-10 with Soil Acidifiers and Chelated Iron A suitable fertilizer, use 1/2 tpg. at every watering but let 10% of the liquid run out of the pot for leaching action. A74-114 0
FERTILIZERS: Applied to Pots Containing Various Potting Mixes If 30-10-10 is used it can be applied to bark mixes and tree fern mixes generally. A69-793 0
FERTILIZERS: As Pot Surface Dressing, What Is Safest? Liquids are safeest and are effective. A79-370 0
FERTILIZERS: Balanced It provides nutrients in these ratios: 1 molybdenum, 60 copper, 200 boron, 200 zinc, 500 manganese, 1000 chlorine, 1000 iron, 10,000 sulphur, 20,000 magnesium, 20,000 phosphorus, 50,000 calcium, 100,000 potassium, 140,000 nitrogen. AU84-278; to convert 20-20-20 to 2-2-2, use one-tenth of the prescribed amount. A81-1311 0
FERTILIZERS: Basic, to Mix with Media To 1 cu. yard of mix add 1.5 kg. of potassium sulphate, 1.0 superphosphate, 1.0 dolomite lime, 100 grams fritted trace elements, 250 grams iron sulphate, or 60 grams iron chelate; slow release fertilizer can be substituted for the first three. AU79-51 0
FERTILIZERS: Best After Test Levels of fertilizing on cymbidiums which gave best results were N -- 100ppm., P -- 20ppm., K -- 75ppm., Mg (Magnesium sulphate) 25ppm., and Fe (Chelated Iron) 8 to 10ppm.; these represent very weak strengths but produce remarkable growth rates. AU84-199 0
FERTILIZERS: Best for Cymbidiums In an experiment in Southern California a balanced 20-20-20 produced 50% more spikes than 25-10-10 at the end of two years. OA84-78 0
FERTILIZERS: "bloom Booster" Application should alternate every two or three feedings in a mixed collection with one of high nitrogen but the frequency should be reduced for winter. A85-872 0
FERTILIZERS: Cattleyas Use 30-10-10 in bark or Mexican tree fern. A79-124 0
FERTILIZERS: Characteristics Table of ratios for 10 commercial fertilizers giving fertilizer materials, fertilizer ratios, application rate, pH values. P68(3)10 0
FERTILIZERS: Color of Liquid Stock Solution Two good dyes are available, malachite green and potassium permanganate, available from drugstores; takes very small amounts to color a solution; experiment with quantities to establish a ratio in the stock tank. A60-128 0
FERTILIZERS: Controlled Release Types Osmocote with nine months release rate is improved upon with an extra liquid fertilizer solution from Spring onward, especially if the seedlings had been placed in a larger pot size to begin. AU82-106 0
FERTILIZERS: Determining Ph Value Mix one part fertilizer to one part water and let stand for an hour; test with pH tester. P68(3)10 0
FERTILIZERS: Dry Soluble Types These are best; there is no point in packaging, transporting or storing water. OD67-220 0
FERTILIZERS: Element Requirements for Cattleyas N -- 50 ppm., P -- 50 ppm., K -- 50 ppm., plus Magnesium Sulphate -- 50 ppm. AU82-98 0
FERTILIZERS: Element Requirements for Most Other Than Cattleyas N -- 100 ppm., P -- 20 ppm., K -- 75 ppm., Mg -- 25 ppm., Fe -- 8 ppm., Ca 50 to 200 ppm., Mn -- l ppm., Cu 0.025 ppm., Zn -- 0.2 ppm., B -- 0.025 ppm., Mo -- 0.001 ppm, and S -- 10 ppm. AU82-98 0
FERTILIZERS: Established Facts Orchids respond to added nutrients; slow growers get indigestion from too much; feed is best when they are growing. AU85(1)-37 0
FERTILIZERS: Fertilizers Higher rate produces fewer flowers = for cattleyas a 1 tpg weekly produces only 1 flower on many vigorous plants; a change to 1 tpg. monthly should improve flowering. A84-699 0
FERTILIZERS: For Cattleyas In nutrient culture, growth of hybrid plants was optimal with 50 ppm. each of nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. RHIn parts per million: N-50, P-20, K-50, plus Mg-50. AU82-98 0
FERTILIZERS: For Cattleyas, Paphiopedilums and Miltonias Using organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion (5-1-1) once in a while is good but continued use does not provide enough potassium and phosphorous; a 3-1-1 ratio soluble fertilizer provides them in adequate amounts. A79-1112 0
FERTILIZERS: For Community Pots with Milled Sphagnum Use regular fertilizer at one-third strength, and then increase to one-half. A79-584 0
FERTILIZERS: For Cymbidiums In a nutrient solution growth of hybrid plants was optimal with lOO ppm. nitrogen, 50 to lOO ppm. potassium and 25 ppm. of magnesium. OA79-127 0
FERTILIZERS: For Flowering In Dendrobium nobile and its hybrids flowering is prolific if they are fed every three or four weeks while in active growth with low nitrogen and high phosphorous; from August to October feed 1/2 tpg. with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2P04) NH78(1)10 0
FERTILIZERS: For Heavy Feeders Cymbidiums, lycastes, softcane dendrobiums, zygopetalums are among the heavy feeders and require more fertilizer. AU84-203 0
FERTILIZERS: For Low, Average or Good Light Conditions Peters' fertilizer bags have a table showing that in low light 1/4 tpg is recommended for growth; in medium light 1/2 tpg., and in good light 1 tpg. which is of seasonal importance. Peters. 0
FERTILIZERS: Formulas and Their Meanings The purchased product marked 30-10-10 is a 3-to-one-to-one ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium. A86-815 0
FERTILIZERS: Formulas, Their Meaning A 12-4-8 formula contains four times as much nutrients, in the same proportions, as a 3-1-2. A61-981 0
FERTILIZERS: For Phalaenopsis In nutrient culture, growth of hybrid plants was optimal with lOO ppm. of nitrogen, 50 to lOO ppm. of potassium and 25 ppm. of magnesium. OA79-127 0
FERTILIZERS: For Plants in Osmunda It needs little if any fertilizer; 1 teaspoon 20-10-10 or 30-10-10- in two gals. water is sufficient at monthly intervals. A67-517 0
FERTILIZERS: For Repotted Plants To stimulate root growth in fir bark mixes keep the same regular schedule with 20-10-10 or 30-10-10 but make it more diluted. A74-433 0
FERTILIZERS: Granular Ones Liquify in Container They can still be used; to avoid the condition arising store it in a dry place in a tightly capped container. A82-487 0
FERTILIZERS: "hardeners" For vandas in the fall a 7-56-14 fertilizer is used to harden off the plant. F68-14 0
FERTILIZERS: High-analysis Types A 9-3-6 fertilizer contains only one-third the value contained in a 27-9-18 formulation; both have the same ratio and cost about the same. OD67-220 0
FERTILIZERS: How to Read a Fertilizer Label Interpretation of wording of guaranteed analysis labels for water-soluble 27-9-18, somewhat slow-re lease 27-6-10, slow release for cymbidiums 6-9-6, water-soluble 10-10-5; refer to A71-30+ 0
FERTILIZERS: Ideal Fertility Frequency Use low concentration of dissolved fertilizer at every watering; avoid excess deficiency conditions. PD67-219 0
FERTILIZERS: Injury Caused by A frequent problem; only 2% of the composition of the plant tissue includes mineral content; over-fertilization inhibits growth; diluted liquid fertilizers are best; nature of damage caused and described; refer to A67-474+; AH49+ 0
FERTILIZERS: Inorganic, Made From Chemicals Can be compounded to exact specifications; makes them flexible and adaptable to special conditions and trace elements can be added as required. A70-140 0
FERTILIZERS: In Parts Per Million Six hundred parts of fertilizer to one million parts water passing through a cymbidium is the maximum. AU79-37 0
FERTILIZERS: In Tropical Forests Sources include birds (very little), bats (their presence encourages growth but just why is not explained), monkeys (destructive of plants), ants (an effective part but on a very localised scale), litter-(minor, but physically helpful), rainfall (none), throughfall of rain (much, through leachates), stemflow of rain (significant), dust (some minerals), epiphylls or leaf microflora (significant); for a fascinating essay refer to AU85(3)-13 0
FERTILIZERS: Liquid, for Cattleyas in Fir Bark Rutgers University's urea-form formulation: 1st. application is finely powdered ureaform three heaping tablespoons of ureaform with 20-20-20 two level teaspoons together to five gallons water; subsequent monthly applications of ureaform, 2 rounded teaspoons plus 20-20-20, two level teaspoons per five gallons water applied monthly. A59-508 0
FERTILIZERS: Liquid, for Cymbidiums Rutgers University1s formulation applied one, three or four weeks according to season: per 100 gallons water add 12 oz. of 20-10-10 plus six ounces of 20-20-20, plus four ounces of ammonium nitrate. A59-509 0
FERTILIZERS: Liquid,general Rutgers University1s formulation is 20-20-20, 1 teaspoon plus ammonium nitrate 2 tablespoons together to five gals. water for every other watering. A59-508 0
FERTILIZERS: Liquid Versus Slow-release A liquid programme is preferable because 1. the feed can be accurately measured, 2. the feed can be applied with the watering, 3. liquid feeds are much less expensive. AU84-202 0
FERTILIZERS: Mixed Fresh Each Time Inorganic fertilizers keep well if light is excluded so algae does not grow in it. A67-901 0
FERTILIZERS: Mixed with Pesticides Mixture of Benlate, Cygon and fertilizer is not recommended; don't do it. A73-503 0
FERTILIZERS: Mixing 20-20-20 with Ammonium Nitrate to Get 30-10-10 Mix one ounce of 20-20-20 plus one and one-tenth ounces of ammonium nitrate to get 30-10-10; apply at 1/2 tpg. A75-35 0
FERTILIZERS: Mix Your Own 3 oz. of potassium nitrate (saltpetre; sodium nitrate) and two oz. ammonium phosphate dissolved in three gals. water; one ounce to one gal. water for application to plants. OR77-30330-10-10 type, actually 24-8-8, can be made up with 10 lbs. ammonium phosphate 16-20-0; 10 lbs. urea 45-0-0; 4 lbs. potassium sulphate 0-0-50, at a cost of about 40 cents a pound; soluble. OD80-6530-10-10 type, actually, 21-7-7, can be made up with 20 lbs. lawn fertilizer 25-4-5, 6 lbs. ammonium phosphate 16- 12-0; 2 lbs. potassium sulphate 0-0-5-, at a cost of about 30 cents a pound; clay settling out can be discarded. OD80-65; this mix is questionable because indeed a good quantity will settle out; the materials are only sparingly soluble. OWD30-10-10; 3 lbs. urea, 10 oz. triple-super phos- phate, 5 oz. muriate of potash; use 3 heaping teaspoons to five gals, water; the phosphate will not dissolve completely. A68-331A ratio of 4-2-1 can be made from ammonium nit- rate, diammonium phosphate and muriate o... 0
FERTILIZERS: Mode of Application Liquid application is most efficient and effective; should be composed of completely water-soluble elements. OD67-220 0
FERTILIZERS: Organic, Made From Living Organisms Animal manures, fish emul- sion, seaweed emulsion; bone meal, cottonseed meal, etc.; strengths vary and most require dilution; believed to contain natural salts and hormones which cannot be synthesized in chemical foods. A70-140 0
FERTILIZERS: Organic or Inorganic Bacterial activity is low at 50 deg.F. (10 deg.C.) so it is better to use inorganic types of fertilizer in cold weather;use an organic in warmer temperatures. AU73-185Both can be used; liquid organics in gen- eral are relatively expensive but are no more effective than the inorganics. A63-214Commercial manures tend to be alkaline, so the local water supply must be considered in connection; nitrogen in fish fertilizer must rise above 62dF to be released to the plant. A86-586The recommended ratio should be two inorganic feeds to one organic. AU85(l)-37 0
FERTILIZERS: Organic Types Made of relatively insoluble materials as bone meal, dried blood, hoof meal, rock phosphate, etc.; must undergo decomposition before nutrients can be released; the materials slowly decompose; apply twice or thrice yearly. P68(3)9 0
FERTILIZERS: Overhead Sprinkling of Soluble Type It is feasible to do so especially for a large commercial range, but application may be irregular and wasteful. F81-65 0
FERTILIZERS: Proof of Absorption by Cattleya Roots They can absorb nutrients both through the roots and the leaves, as shown in a report published in 1967, and recent reports from Southeast Asia. A83-266 0
FERTILIZERS: Proper Frequency and Strength In plants fertilizer-nutrient is only about 1% of the green weight; water temperature, light, humidity and air are far more important; recommendation: fertil- ize not more than fortnightly, with 1 tpg. of 30-10-10 and flush with water between. A69-55 0
FERTILIZERS: Proportions One teaspoon per gallon is equivalent to one pound per 100 gallons of water. OD71-95 0
FERTILIZERS: Seasonal Changes If plants are in a bark mix, prosper from a 30-10-10 mix all year round; for those at rest, do not water or fertilize. A81-1223It is a fallacy to change fertilizers according to season; it is a belief based more on folk-lore than on proven fact. SA-85-168 0
FERTILIZERS: Should Vary with the Medium Used For osmunda; tree fern, terrestrials, Holite, Solite, etc., use 10-5-8 at 1 gram per liter of water; for bark use 30-4-8 at 1.15 grams per liter. Hort. reviews 5,358 0
FERTILIZERS: Slow Release Fertilizers Include Golden Vigoro, Mag-Amp, Nitrophoska (Aus.), Osmocote, QUE Slow Release, etc. RMH 0
FERTILIZERS: Survey of Contents Nutrient element content of commercial fertilizers such as Peters, Plantprod, etc., plus their trace elements for 13 differ- ent chemicals listed; refer to OA87-201 0
FERTILIZERS: Tailored Feeding Plan 1st week: fish emulsion; 2nd week: for vegetative growth 30-10-10 but plants making roots or flowers get 7-28-15 and resting plants get only water; 3rd week: all plants 18-18-18 except C.mossiae types waiting to bloom which get 6-7-21 as tonic, then one month before flowering they get high phosphorous again; 4th week: same as second week. A70-140+ 0
FERTILIZERS: Top Dressing In late spring top-dress the pots with a physical blend of Milorganite or other processed sewage, plus dried blood in a 2 to 1 ratio. OA80-81 0
FERTILIZERS: Top Dressing Using a 6-6-6 Formulation Is not recommended because the extra potash might cause injury. A79-370 0
FERTILIZERS: To Promote Better Flowers A wide-spread error is that high-phosphorous fertilizers promote more blooms; however, a deficiency of phosphorous does inhibit blooming; a soluble 15-30-15 fertilizer at 1 tpg. about once every two weeks will supply the relatively small amount needed. A75-1090 0
FERTILIZERS: Toxic Effects Plants cannot limit the intake of the following elements so they become toxic if overdone: nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron. SA85Dec-168 0
FERTILIZERS: With Micronutrients They are of questionable real value; it is probably false advertising to claim otherwise. OD67-221 0

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