Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim,
I just want to feed my cymbidium. Which is the good slow release Fertilizer brand that I can find in San Jose, CA ? And how do you apply it ?
If I want to use liquid, how do I apply it ? Spray over the leave and the medium at hafl dose? Or mix with water and watering only the medium ?
Is this time a good time to split/repotting ?

Thank you very much, Jim. It is great to know you are in SJ.

ANSWER: Hi Khanh,

In the San Jose area, a good slow release cymbidium fertilizer is a product named Dynamite available at most Home Depots.  Just follow the directions and each time you water they will feed you cym.  Although it is supposed to be good for 9 months, personally I think 6 months is pushing it a little.  

As for liquid fertilizer, I like Grow More brand products.  It is available at most nursery and garden centers in the area.  I prefer to feed and water at the same time, mixing the fertilizer at half strength.  

March is a good time to repot and divide.  

By the way, there are two big orchid shows coming up, both over the Feb. 29 to March 2 weekend.  One is in S.F. and the other in Santa Barbara.  Additionally, several local orchid clubs will be having shows and sales with the next month or two.  

Hope this helps.  Hey neighbor - well, almost!  I live in South San Jose near Oakridge Mall, where do you live?  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jim,
Thank you for your quick answer. Well, as you said, we almost neighbor. I live just behind the Japanses Garden.
Please explain to me about the use of liquid fertilizer. What is the feeding pattern ?  Spray over the leave and watering the medium ?
For report/divide, how long should I wait to feed them ?
Again, thank you Jim for helping me. :)

Answer
Hi again Khanh,

There are many different orchid fertilizers available locally but as I mentioned earlier, I prefer the Grow More brand which is in granular form and available at most garden centers and nurseries in the area.  

As for how to use it, there are several methods people use.  One is to use it per the instructions on the label once or twice a month but I prefer to use it at one half but with each watering, the choice is yours.  While there is some benefit to water the leaves and pot, I usually water just the pot, making sure water drains out the holes in the bottom before moving to the next pot.  

After dividing and repotting, water it thoroughly with plain water then set the newly repotted cym in a warm shady place for several weeks.  During this time, water only enough to keep it barely moist to help encourage new root growth.  After this, move it to where you had been growing it and water and feed it as you would normally.  

I haven't been out your area in some time since they built Highway 87 and use it to get to various places around San Jose via connecting freeways.  A friend used to live on Lucretia but he moved to Almaden valley over 30 years ago.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.