My Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubecens are about 2 inches high now & I was wondering whether or not to fertilize them ? I sprinkled about a teaspoon of bonemeal in the pot a few weeks ago . The fertilizer I have in mind is Plant Prod Hydroponic Fertilizer 10-6-16 with 7.2% calcium , 2.2% magnesium , 2.9% sulphur , & the usual other micronutrients . Would 1/2 teaspoon per gallon be the right amount & how often should I fertilize ?

Hey Chrono,

Yes it would be a good time to fertilise your Cyps when they are actively growing but Im not a fan for using bone meal in pot plants and have allways been adviced to stay away from feeding with organics when it comes to Cypripediums as it may incourage root rots but I do know of a grower who uses bone meal out in the garden and they are doin fine.

So I would be sure to flush out the bone meal with water as I personally wouldnt risk it!

The hydropic fertliser sounds ok and fertilise at 1/4 strength, weekly, fortnightly and flush it out between applications so there isnt a build up of salts.

good luck
Cheers
Stephen

Hi, Chrono,

I fertilize seedlings from the time I plant them. I include a hydroponics fertilizer with every watering - 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. You 1/2 teaspoon per gallon is also fine. I have used even more in the past but lowered the amount since if I use more I get a lot of algae growing after a few weeks. The plants love the greater amount of fertilizer and do not mind the algae but it begins to clog everything so I dont like it.

I would not use bone meal for any Cyps other than reginae or candidum and its hybrids. The hydroponics fertilizer already has a lot of calcium, magnesium and manganese and some species are not fond of a lot of nutrients.

Good luck!

Ron