Organic fertilizers???

[Theodoreorchidking]

Hi everyone. I just bought some organic fertilizers for my paphiopedilums. It is Gaia green glacial rock dust and gaia green power bloom. I really didn't think about it and just bought them thinking they would be good. My question is how should I apply them to my paphs and how often. Also I worry that they might just be flushed out of the pot when I water. Thanks again and happy growing

 

[Russ1992]

Hi everyone. I just bought some organic fertilizers for my paphiopedilums. It is Gaia green glacial rock dust and gaia green power bloom. I really didn't think about it and just bought them thinking they would be good. My question is how should I apply them to my paphs and how often. Also I worry that they might just be flushed out of the pot when I water. Thanks again and happy growing

Ask Dustin from YouTube: Herebutnot

He grows amazing plants and loves that fertilizer. He can point you in the right direction.

Either way you are doing something right as your plants are looking robust and healthy

 

[Ray]

I believe you got sucked in by clever marketing.

If the stuff is “rock dust” how can it be organic? Best I can tell, the only truly organic component is humid acid.

Not only that, the “glacial rock dust” isn’t even a complete fertilizer, as it apparently only supplies Mg, Fe, and Mn. The “Power Bloom” product is just a 2-8-4 fertilizer, with only 10% of its nitrogen being water soluble, something essential if the plant is to take it up.

 

[gonewild]

The best way to use them is to not use them.

 

[Russ1992]

The best way to use them is to not use them.

Have you used rock dust before to ill effect?

 

[Ray]

Have you used rock dust before to ill effect?

“No effect” is more likely.

 

[kman]

I used various rock dusts for many years, growing cut flowers, vegetables and small fruits commercially and with organic certification. These are slow acting, long term materials that can improve soils lacking or deficient in various minerals. It makes no sense at all for me for epiphytes.

 

[Ray]

I used various rock dusts for many years, growing cut flowers, vegetables and small fruits commercially and with organic certification. These are slow acting, long term materials that can improve soils lacking or deficient in various minerals. It makes no sense at all for me for epiphytes.

A VERY good point.

There's a lot more going on in a "soil" - both chemically and biologically - than ever happens on epiphyte substrate surfaces. Trying to extend the knowledge of one to the other is fraught with folly.

 

[gonewild]

Basically no effect is spot on. That is if you are using some form of balanced fertilizer. A complete balanced fertilizer contains sufficient amounts of micronutrients.
The glacial rock dusts lists several different micronutrient elements contained in the dust which may not be available epiphytic orchids roots.
The bloom booster similar contains nutrient sources that are better used in garden soil. The nutrients in it are not really going to "boost blooms". It does list containing 4% soluble potassium which would alter the nutritional balance of your balanced orchid fertilizer.
Value wise the $30 tub of rock dust probably contains 5¢ worth of nutrients.
And lastly why would you want to add dust to clog up the air space you took great effort to create in your media?