is Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix garbage?
Larry (Los Angeles, 10a, Sunset Zone 19)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (21)
suzabanana (6b Boston/N. Shore)
7 years agoRelated Discussions
phalaenopsis orchid
Comments (21)"Okay, I've had a couple of these orchids over the years, and always did the ice cube watering routine once weekly and it worked - I even got them to re bloom for 3-4 years." I definitely would not continue to water with ice cubes. Many orchid growers that I've seen say that the cold water shocks the roots, and that continued exposure to the cold water will eventually cause damage to them. Think about it-most orchids' natural habitat is the tropical rainforest. Would they experience freezing cold water in nature? Most probably not. Room temperature to lukewarm water is best-not too hot either. Do I cut the stems back to the base of the plant? If the spikes have more buds emerging, I would let them continue to grow. Do you have any pictures? You probably have buds because seed pods are extremely unlikely on a store-bought phal, but it's better just to be sure. Once all the blooms are gone and there is no sign of new buds emerging, you can take some sterilized scissors (wipe them down with rubbing alcohol or bleach) and cut the spike all the way down. It is fine to leave a little bit of the spike remaining on the plant. Do I fertilize them, and if so, how and for how long? Definitely fertilize. I would use a kind specifically made for orchids. I would fertilize throughout the entire year. During the winter months you can use a little less-maybe 1/4 or 1/2 of the recommended dosage. During the growing season you can use 3/4 of the recommended dosage. When in doubt, use less. The less fertilizer you use the less chance of burning the roots. Paid $45 each for these so I'd like for them to rebloom - they have given me months of pleasure. In my opinion, phals are quite easy to rebloom if given the proper care throughout the growing season. When summer draws to a close and fall arrives, the orchid will likely start to spike on its own, maybe around November or December. If nothing appears, you can give it a slight cooldown to help induce spike production-a 15*F difference between day temps and night temps should be enough (e.g. If day time temp is 70*F, then night time temp should be around 55-60*F). Don't go too low in temperature however-no lower than 55*F. A west facing windows seems fine. Don't give them too much light-bright indirect is perfect. Good luck!...See MoreMiracle-Gro Tomato Plant Food 18-18-21
Comments (42)i guess it's my turn for input, For years i've been using a formulation called dutch master one for flower production one for vegetative growth, found these to work very consistently and also are so minimal in tds I tend to run little risk of fert burns etc etc, the one thing it does have is that they're both loaded with macro/micros which of course is due to the fact that the fert was developed for MJ growers. in addition i apply twice weekly from spring - fall via foliar spray, what can i say i don't like having to flush often Second on the topic of bird poo ferts they've already been packaged. most are actually bat guano but there is a sea bird poop one as well most are sold by hydroponic stores and have been gathered in several different locations globally, more interestingly is that these locations are also the geographical basing for most orchids.(could this mean that mexican bat guano = good for mexican chids?) any ways i wont supply a link simply because it's better in these cases to attain the products from local hydro shops then on line, being that it'll save you some where in the ball park of 20$ i will supply product names and link for product info all manufactured by sunleaves it comes in these flavors Mexican Peruvian Jamaican and Indonesian also sea bird i haven't used them yet because i think i'm thwarted by the possible stench Gaston Here is a link that might be useful: check it out...See MoreBetter-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix
Comments (3)I've heard many things to about not repotting during a spike. The reason for that they say is because it could stress the plant out and cause the spike to abort and all the flowers will die. There have been many times I myself have repotted when a spike is present and I've never lost a spike from that. A repot during a spike usually only occurs when I buy a plant from say my local Lowes and I don't like it being planted in moss. Now in my opinion how often you water depends on a few factors. First factor, did you repot into a plastic pot or a clay pot? Plastic will retain moisture longer and clay pots allow air and moisture to pass through. I only use clay pots myself and even during the winter here where my furnace runs about every half hour I only usually water once a week. Aside from those basic factors. Some things depend on how warm it stays in your home or if you have your plant in an area that has constant air circulation from a fan or anything that's always moving air. Like I said this is my personal opinion. There are many others that most likely do things different....See MoreCustom Mix: Opinions?
Comments (9)Speaking for myself, I did not sense any rudeness in your posts. And even if you were rude, I wouldn't care, it's just a plant forum, LOL! Organic stuff is great in the ground where there are worms, microbes and other creatures that process it. In a pot, it's a whole other world - anything "organic" is unpredictable and potentially dangerous for a variety of reasons. Water physics in a pot is also very different than the ground. The Earth has just a tad better drainage than a measly little pot.../sarcasm When growing plants in pots, we go out of our way to enable maximum control of the environment, so we have to maximize drainage and aeration and minimize organic breakdown, all while making a feeble attempt at keeping the root zone at a suitable temperature range to keep rootlets alive. Lucky for us succulents can tolerate all this abuse. x...See Morejane__ny
7 years agomesembs
7 years agoarthurm2015
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoLarry (Los Angeles, 10a, Sunset Zone 19)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoKauaiguy
7 years agomesembs
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoMaritza Gonzalez
7 years agoJerseyGirl (aka iheartorchids.com)
7 years agoclaudiadsmith
last month
Related Stories
HOUSEPLANTS10 Top Plants to Grow Indoors
Brighten a room and clean the air with a houseplant that cascades artfully, stretches toward the ceiling or looks great on a wall
Full StoryMOST POPULAR25 Ideas to Perk Up Your Side Yard
Turn this often overlooked area into an enticing and useful outdoor space
Full StoryFRONT YARD IDEAS9 Gorgeous Sidewalk Garden Designs
These ideas for perimeter planting can boost your home’s curb appeal with more color, personality and seasonal interest
Full StoryMOST POPULARThe Perfect Houseplant for People Who Kill Houseplants
If you can fill a jar with water, you can keep golden pothos vine happy — and it will pay you back with cleaner air and a greener home
Full Story
arthurm2015