The fertilizer is a GreenCare product, from the Blackmore Company: http://www.blackmoreco.com/greencare.html
Dot Michigan http://portersorchids.com
On Apr 2, 2005, at 4:20 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Regarding the MSU low phosphate fertilizer formulation, the author of the
Orchids article Leo was trying to recall is Jan Szyren. She was not the
originator of the formula, but, more importantly, reported her long term success
with it as caretaker of the Michigan State University orchid collection.
Jack Peters is back in family control of the old Peters fertilizer
manufacture. His products go by either name, as Peters Professional or Jack's
Classic. A "Cal-Mag" formulation is produced that is a 15-5-15 supplemented
with 4% Calcium, all the usual trace minerals, and, most importantly, 2%
Magnesium. Although it is easiest to find in 25 pound bags, Jack assures me it will
shortly be available in more convenient 3 pound containers.
OGDers should be interested to learn that there is absolutely no
experimental evidence to support the dogma that high phosphate "blossom boosters"
work as reputed, and the single "low phosphate" formulation is all one needs
throughout the year. Orchids have an often overlooked high Calcium requirement
usually met by minerals in tap water, but when utilizing RO water, must be
supplied by one's fertilizer. Our tap water in Miami, as in many other
places, is virtually devoid of Magnesium, a major constituent of orchid tissue.
Jack's Cal-Mag is extremely soluble and ideal for making up concentrates for
subsequent dilution.
Bert Pressman
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