Yes, I checked it this morning, I noticed it too. I wonder why!
I bought mine a couple of years ago. Perhaps Ray might answer that with a phone call.

I just clicked on their web site and it says "discontinued"

Ted, I use whatever I can get as long as it is different than what I used the last time. Ortho Fire Ant Killer is a favorite (but it stinks) and as a fungicide I like Cleary's 3336.

Jim

Jim, did you know you can get a 'generic' of Cleary's for about 1/3 the price - Southern Ag markets the exact same thing as Thio-Myl. I asked my neighbor, former Extension Agent and also worked 3yr. as a pesticide inspector for the state. He says they call it all T-methyl and it's all the same stuff. He says I can even use it on my fig tree and plumerias to help prevent that rusty fungus - as long as I spray the fig before it starts setting fruit.

I'm finally going to the local Orchid Society meeting next Monday. Patty says we can get a small amount of Banrot from one of the vendors who comes to the meetings. I've been wanting to try it, because it's a combo of two good fungicides but the smallest amount you can buy is 2lb and it's $80 or thereabouts. Lordy, this orchid growing biz gets expensive! I also have Daconil, Physan that I use to spray the cage and the floor, and Actinovate that I have yet to try. My favorite right now for bugs is Capt. Jack's Dead Bug Brew just because I like the name, it's organic approved, and it's available readily. (Spinosad)

Thanks for the info on the Cleary's generic as it is really expensive. Spinosad is especially good for thrips.

Jim

Thanx Jim and Elaine. I don't have that fungus problem much, the humidity around here is always pretty low. Yet now it's at 44% and will stay around there this coming week along with windy conditions

Wind keeps the leaves dry thus helping prevent fungus.

Jim

And fans.

dyzzypyxxy said:It sure would help if you could tell us what 'part of the country' you are in, please? I buy my orchid fertilizer from Amazon, so if you have access to them, you can get most types.

But it depends where you are and what your water is like, (pH and soluble solids) to determine what kind of fert you should use.

Also important is what kind of orchids your wife has, and where she is growing them. (indoors, outdoors, in a greenhouse?)

Many thanks to all who answered my SOS for fertilizers for orchids. To answer a few questions: we live in a residential village 25 miles from the seacoast near Recife in northeast Brazil. My wife has only recently taken to raising orchids (catley etc), some grown outdoors under shade and some indoors. Buying commercial mixes like Dynagrow etc, from Amazon thru internet is complicated due to brazilian custom restrictions on shipment of chemical substances. Common fertilizers like NPK, epsom salts, copper sulphate are easily available. Water supply is from a deep well pump (85 meters deep).

If possible, Carlos, it would be a good idea to test the pH of your well water. If the pH is too high, adding a little bit of vinegar to it when you water the orchids is a good idea, because the fertilizer elements sometimes are not available to the plant to absorb if the water is too high pH, or if it contains too much phosphorus (like my well water does). Water test kits are available here at pet stores that sell aquarium supplies, or you can also use a swimming pool test kit.

If you have the means to collect rain water, that is the very best water to use for watering and fertilizing orchids if your well water is not suitable. Just mix your additions into it and spray on.

Advise you not to use any fertilizer with copper in it, as some types of orchids are very sensitive to copper compounds like copper sulphate.

Old Thread... but... still needing an answer.

Question: What measurements (per gallon) for Young Cattleya types in 4" or 5" pots ?

on-line searches have recommended everywhere from 1/2 teaspoon to 2 Tablespoons per.

Concerned over burning root tips.

Glenn, for my plumeria, I use that 2 tbl. per gal. mix, but for my orchids, I use 1 tsp. per gal. I have no clue what the "right" dilution is, but at these dilutions, I've never seen any problem.

I don't think there's much concern over burning your root tips with Epsom salts, Glenn. When I have plants that turn red from magnesium deficiency I make a bath for them in a plastic storage tub, about 4 gallons of water and half a cup of Epsom salts. So that is about the 2 tablespoons per gallon dilution. I submerge the plant in there, and let it soak up for half an hour or so, then remove and let it drip. Water thoroughly the next day.

Have not had any problems so far doing this. Mind you, my plants aren't growing much in the way of new roots at the moment, either so that may be a factor. New roots might be more vulnerable.

This baby is in my bathtub, a few nights ago in a warm Epsom salts bath. Already showing improvement on the red color, thankfully.