Description
Specifically formulated to meet the exacting needs of most orchids. Entirely free from urea which has been shown to be toxic to certain orchids. Nitrogen supplied in 100% nitrate form for strong healthy growth over long periods. Also suitable for use on Bromeliads and indoor plants.
One of the enduring myths about orchids is that they do not require feeding. It is certainly
true that orchids, particularly the epiphytes, have evolved in conditions where mineral
nutrients are in limited supply and consequently they require smaller amounts than other
plants. Orchids are nonetheless still green plants and like all green plants they rely on
essential minerals and energy from the sun to convert those minerals into sugars and
starches to produce shoots, leaves and blooms.
true that orchids, particularly the epiphytes, have evolved in conditions where mineral
nutrients are in limited supply and consequently they require smaller amounts than other
plants. Orchids are nonetheless still green plants and like all green plants they rely on
essential minerals and energy from the sun to convert those minerals into sugars and
starches to produce shoots, leaves and blooms.
In order to achieve optimum growth and health, orchids require the correct nutrition
supplied at the correct time. Orchids have highly specialized requirements and will perform
best with a nutritional programme designed specifically for them. Over the years, numerous
orchid specific fertilizers have appeared in the marketplace, all promising outstanding
results. Very few are able to compete with the results driven ORCHID FOCUS.
As the name suggests, ORCHID FOCUS is specifically formulated to meet the exacting needs
of most orchids, taking into account the nutritional specifics that are common across the
different genera.
WHY CHOOSE ORCHID FOCUS?
ORCHID FOCUS contains all 12 essential minerals – calcium, nitrogen, phosphorous,
potassium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum -
carefully blended into an easily absorbed liquid solution and balanced to suit the
requirements of most orchids. The revolutionary Single Pack Technology (SPT) required in
blending all 12 minerals into a completely soluble and concentrated liquid form was first
pioneered by Growth Technology 15 years ago. The technology remains elusive for mist
fertilizer manufacturers and this is reflected in the absence of vital minerals in their
solutions.
ORCHID FOCUS is manufactured using only high grade raw materials and chelated trace
elements to ensure effortless absorption by the plant. Importantly, it is guaranteed not to
contain sodium chloride and the potentially harmful and ineffective Urea. Urea is used by
some manufacturers as an inexpensive source of nitrogen, an element essential for growth
in orchids and all plants. Orchids are commonly cultivated in inert media such as bark or
perlite. Urea is highly unsuitable for cultivation any plants in inert media quite simply
because these maims lack the soil bacteria and micro-organisms required to convert urea
into a form accessible to the plant. Without the necessary conversion into a useable form,
urea can become quite toxic very quickly. Nitrate is the ideal form of nitrogen for orchid
cultivation. At the correct levels, it can deliver strong healthy growth over extended
periods. ORCHID FOCUS contains 100% of its nitrogen in the nitrate form.
SLOW RELEASE FERTILZERS VS LIQUID NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS.
Home gardeners are spoilt for choice when it comes to slow release fertilizers with
numerous brands available on garden centre shelves. The nutrients are typically
encapsulated in a polymeric coating. The underlying premise for these granular fertilizers is
that nutrients are gradually and consistently made available to the plant via the breakdown
of their polymeric coating. They are an attractive proposition for many plant enthusiasts in
that they only require application anywhere from 2 to 6 months per year. The benefits to
the plants are largely dependent on the quantity used, the quality of the release
mechanism, temperature and water. The greatest problem with these types of fertilizers is
consistency. Despite good intentions and claims to the contrary, the nutrients are rarely
released in a consistent manner. Which minerals, and the quantities available to the plant
are largely affected by temperature and watering habits.
Liquid nutrient solutions require more frequent application but their effectiveness and
nutritional benefits are not compromised in the same way as slow release fertilisers. With
every application of ORCHID FOCUS, the full profile of minerals is available to the plant in a
complete and balanced form
FEEDING YOUR ORCHIDS
With a good quality liquid nutrient like ORCHID FOCUS in hand, there are few general rules
that apply to most orchids and should be observed when it comes to feeding. A wellestablished rule of thumb amongst orchid enthusiasts is to fertilize “weekly, weakly”.
There will be dormant periods of growth for certain orchids where no feeding is required,
however, during active periods of growth (spring and summer in particular), your orchid will
need regular feeding for best results. Over feeding needs to be avoided as this can lead to
root and leaf burn and ultimately inhibit flowering. Do not exceed the recommended
dilution rates. ORCHID FOCUS should not be used at a dilution rate beyond 10 ml per litre of
water for e.g. actively growing Cymbidiums which tend to be the heaviest feeders. Most
other orchids will happily flourish at 5 ml per litre.
Smaller doses on a regular basis typically result in more consistent growth and healthier
plants compared to stronger solutions supplied infrequently. Remember, the ideal is
‘WEEKLY, WEAKLY”. Flush orchid pots once a month with clean and pure water to
eliminate any build-up of minerals.
FOLIAR FEEDING
Although not as efficient as delivering nutrition via the roots, foliar feeding can have a very
noticeable and positive effect on orchids. Foliar feeding should be administered at half
strength (2.5 – 5ml per litre) and via a good quality spray bottle allowing for a fine mist to be
delivered. Mist foliage (including the underside of the leaf) but avoid the blooms. Spray
early in the morning to avoid heat damage from the sun.