K-Lite Fertilizer (12-1-1-10Ca-3Mg) is a specialized nutrient blend designed to replicate the natural nutrient profile that orchids and epiphytes encounter in their native habitats. This formulation provides a balanced supply of essential macronutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—along with vital secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium, promoting robust plant health and vigorous growth.
Key Benefits:
- Optimized Nutrient Balance: K-Lite’s low levels of potassium and phosphorus, combined with elevated calcium and magnesium, align with the natural nutrient intake of epiphytic plants. This approach enhances nutrient absorption and overall plant vitality.
- Enhanced Growth and Blooming: The precise nutrient formulation supports year-round growth and flowering, resulting in healthier plants with more vibrant blooms.
- Reduced Disease Incidence: Long-term use of low-potassium fertilizers like K-Lite has been associated with a decrease in disease occurrence, contributing to improved plant health.
- Improved Nutrient Uptake: By minimizing potassium accumulation in the growing medium, K-Lite facilitates better absorption of calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for strong cell wall development and vital metabolic functions.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of orchids and epiphytes, K-Lite can be used consistently to maintain optimal nutrient levels. This ensures that plants receive a complete package of mineral nutrients for sustained health.
Incorporating K-Lite Fertilizer into your plant care regimen can lead to healthier, more resilient plants that thrive and exhibit enhanced growth and flowering.
For a more detailed explanation, watch Rick Lockwood's video titled What Do Orchids eat?
Orchid Grow Application Rates
- High Nitrogen Rate - Use 2 mL Orchid Grow per 1 litre of water.
- Recommended Rate - Use 1.5 mL Orchid Grow per 1 litre of water.will suffice for most orchids.
- Low Nitrogen Rate - Use 1 mL Orchid Grow per 1 litre of water for orchids that require lower nutrient levels, such as paphiopedilums.
- Application Frequency - Apply at least once a week. During winter months, the interval between watering may be extended beyond one week. In this case, feed every time you water your orchids. If you are apply fertiliser more than once a week use the Low Nitrogen Rate.
Orchid Grow Mixing Instructions
- Orchid Grow consists of two stock solutions (Two bottles) – do not mix these solutions together in their concentrated form or they will react and form crystals.
- To make up the nutrient solution, fill your container with water first, then add your fertiliser.
Fill your container with water first, then add equal quantities from the A solution & B solution. - For those who use a meter to measure the nutrient strength, 1 mL fertiliser to 1 litre will provide you with EC of approximately 0.6 mS/cm2 (millisiemens per cm2).
K-Lite Nutrient Profile
The application rate for K-Lite 12-1-1are the suggested rates for the weekly application of K-Lite.
An application rate of 75 parts per million (ppm) Nitrogen (N) per week is a good starting point for most orchids. If you do not have access to a scale, this will equate to a very slightly heaped teaspoon mixed in 10 litres (L) of water.
If you wish to encourage more growth you can use 2 level teaspoons per 10 litres of water. This is approximately equivalent to 125 ppm Nitrogen.
Use diluted solution within 24 hours of mixing.
If you are growing orchids that require less nitrogen use 50 ppm N per week.
Some orchid growers believe that it is better to feed your orchids every time you apply water. Every time it rains, nutrients are washed over the orchid roots. This is similar to how orchids are fed in their natural environments.
If you are watering 3 times per week and wish to feed at every watering, divide the ppm N rate by the 3 waterings. For example, at 75 ppm N per week, split by the 3 waterings, you will need to use 25 ppm N at each watering.
