Nutrient level test

[AdamD]

From Mr. Alfredo Manrique:

Some time a go. I managed to collect leaves of several orchid species from the wild.
A lab test for nutrients levels was made.
I am sure that the results would be of interest for you-
I have attached them.

 

[Happypaphy7]

Interesting how much trace elements Cattleya rex contains in comparison to others in the chart.

Also, high content of iron in some of them.
I wish I knew why.

 

[Ozpaph]

Thanks. I dont really know how the data should be interpreted or if it helps to grow better orchids.

 

[Ray]

Concerning the iron.... The nutrition an epiphytic plant is exposed to is determined primarily by the exudates of the host tree, any airborne particulates that may have accumulated in the forest canopy, and I suppose to a very slight degree by small animal excrement.

If the local geology has soil that is high in iron, it is likely there is more of it in the exudates.

I suspect that the level of iron is an indicator of exposure, more than an indicator of need, but there must be at least some correlation. Alan Koch once told me that's why he supplements his fertilizing with iron sulfate for rupicolous laelias....