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Post by Apoplast on Apr 24, 2016 19:51:35 GMT -5
Hi all - So, I'm not thrilled this the slow pace of my Nep seedlings' growth. Do folks fertilize their Nep plants? I mean I drop a slow release pellet in my adult pitchers, but seedlings are too small. Do folks use a foliage feed? Maxsea? I'd like to see more vigorous growth. Tips welcome. Thanks!
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Post by Avery on Apr 24, 2016 21:06:45 GMT -5
I usually mist my plants/seedlings with a fairly diluted Maxsea solution, adding Trichoderma and a couple other beneficial fungi/bacteria soil additives, a couple other fertilizers and coffee. A real cocktail. Seems to be beneficial depending on what the soil consists of. When I was experimenting with silica sand I found the sheet moss to be overwhelming, and I imagine that fertilizing gave it an unnecessary boost. It all depends on conditions and what you're working with, but generally if it's good for seedlings, it's also good for moss which can overwhelm young plants. Not sure if you'll ever avoid the need to pull moss and prune pots though, especially with slow growing plants like highland Nepenthes.
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Post by H2O on Apr 24, 2016 22:43:34 GMT -5
Maxsea! Just not full strength.
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Post by Apoplast on Apr 25, 2016 18:05:54 GMT -5
Thanks Avery and H2O!!! I'm assuming using it as foliar at 1/4 strength? And the regular 16-16-16, or the acid 14-18-14? I'm guessing either would work, but thought I'd ask.
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Post by kdawg on Apr 25, 2016 19:04:39 GMT -5
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Post by Apoplast on Apr 25, 2016 21:10:24 GMT -5
Hi kdawg - First off, Photobucket is just a jerk! Always and every time. Takes me an hour to make a multi-photo post. Thanks for the tips! If you, H2O, and Avery are all recommending it - sold. I'm just starting to grow some Neps (totally blaming H2O for that by the way!), and I wanted to grow some from seed. I like getting to figure out the whole whole puzzle starting from seed when I can. This doesn't always help, as I have tried D. regia like a half a dozen times with no luck - but next time it'll work right? But, the Neps look a bit easier, just slower and more anemic than I'd like. I think Maxsea might be the answer. Thanks everyone!!!
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Post by Avery on Apr 25, 2016 22:10:18 GMT -5
I just use 16-16-16.
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Post by Apoplast on Apr 26, 2016 20:35:25 GMT -5
Thanks Avery! The day after I move my plants into their new space, I am buying some of that stuff. Plus, I like your use of inoculates of beneficials. However, if I am making cocktails, they will be in a cocktail glass for me and guests!
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Post by Dennis Z on May 7, 2016 19:52:46 GMT -5
Has anyone tried using coffee on seedling nepenthes? It may be worth to experiment with since it works beautifully for me on juvenile-adult plants.
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Post by bonfield on May 7, 2016 19:55:10 GMT -5
I start giving my Nep seedlings very light amounts as soon as their first traps are developed, making sure to also keep up on spraying them with plain water.
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Post by bonfield on May 8, 2016 18:31:41 GMT -5
I just want to elaborate that I only use a couple drops per seedling at that point, applied with a spray bottle on a fine mist setting. Be sure to follow up with regular spraying with water.
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