With increasing interest in organic foods, growers are frequently considering how to use more organic products in their home gardens, greenhouses and hydroponics systems. We initially became interested in organic insect and pest repellants when our young child showed interest in spending time in the greenhouse. As we pursued this interest, we delved into organic fertilizers and were amazed at the difference they made in the health of our orchids and landscape plants.

Organic Fertilizers

Liquid Fish Fertilizer

The fertilizer (but not the smell!) I have grown to love is liquid fish because it results in greener, more vibrant growth even in the heat of a Texas summer. Family members in Phoenix, AZ have wonderful stories about how liquid fish has enabled their new plantings to thrive the 100+ degree summer temperature. Liquid fish improves the health of plants which also causes plants to be more resistant to harmful insects and pests.

Maxicrop Liquid Fish and Alaska Fish Emulsion are both highly bio-active fish fertilizers that stimulate the soil’s micro-organisms. This action builds soil content while providing important macro- and micro-nutrients.  The roots of plants will respond positively to Liquid Fish as well since the phosphates promote root development. For optimal results, begin using fish fertilizers early in the growing season while temperatures are still cool.

Maxicrop Liquid Fish 5-1-1 contains naturally occurring amino acids, as well as a huge complex of chelated minor elements (especially B vitamins). Alaska Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 formula is an all-purpose deodorized fish fertilizer that may be used on all indoor and outdoor plants. Neither formula will burn the plants or roots. I typically use 2 Tablespoons (or 1 oz.) per gallon of water for orchids and general watering of outdoor plants.

Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer

Liquid Seaweed and Liquid Fish Emulsion are often used in combination to optimize plant and root growth while improving plant resistance to pests. Last summer I alternated using Liquid Seaweed and Liquid Fish when I fertilized our orchids and landscape plants. I was thrilled when our rose bushes provided months of full, beautiful blooms and had fewer problems with aphids.

Maxicrop Liquid Seaweed causes plants to produce more chlorophyll to stimulate plant growth while also improving the root system and soil. As the health of the soil improves and holds more nutrients, the root system extends and is able to take in more of the available nutrients, thereby strengthening the plant and its resistance to damaging pests, heat, drought and wind. As with the liquid fish, typical usage rate is 2 tablespoons (or 1 oz.) per gallon of water for orchids or general watering of outdoor and indoor plants.

Algamin

Another product we have been using, especially in the soil we use for starting seeds for the garden, is Algamin. Algamin 1-0-2 is a dry Kelp Meal Fertilizer made from Norwegian Seaweed. It is a rich organic source of trace minerals and micronutrients, vitamins and amino acids in addition to plant growth hormones. Kelp Meal is a growth stimulant and improves plants’ drought resistance and stress recovery.

Algamin is a semi-refined product that has been slowly dried, desalted and ground into a powder so it does not dissolve immediately in water. For use on plants or for dipped cuttings, make a slurry of 1 teaspoon Algamin per gallon water. Allow the slurry to sit until it has absorbed the water. For hydroseeding, mix 1 tablespoon Algamin per gallon of soil or 1 cup Algamin per 100 sq. ft. of soil.  

Neem Seed Meal

Neem Seed Meal is also sometimes referred to as Neem Cake. It is the by-product of pressing the seed of the Neem Tree for its oil. Dyna-Gro Neem seed meal can be incorporated in the soil of plants, used to top-dress orchids, or mixed in soilless growing media. It is an excellent organic slow-release fertilizer with high Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium values that has been used in India for years. It is known to improve soil fertility and crop yields while inhibiting pests and harmful nematodes. Typical use is 3-4 oz. Neem Seed Meal per cubic foot of soilless media or soil. Five to 28 oz. of Neem Seed Meal may be used as “soil” for each 6" to 12" pot.

Mineral Matrix

Sometimes our plants’ growth seems to stagnate or they show what seem to be signs of deficiency when we feel that we are doing everything right. Sometimes micronutrient deficiencies are difficult to pinpoint and appear as something that “just isn’t right” with the plants. The Bio-Genesis Mineral Matrix 0-0-1 formula provides an organic source of chelated nutrients for rapid absorption to quickly correct micronutrient deficiencies. This nutrient supplement contains Boron, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sulfur and Zinc. Typical use is 1-3 drops per gallon of water when used as a supplement to a plant nutrition program. One teaspoon to one tablespoon per gallon may be used when treating a deficiency.

Other Considerations

pH Concerns

Growers expect their fertilizers to meet the needs of their plants, but it is important to remember that local water sources, reverse osmosis water, and fertilizers or supplements may change the pH of the nutrient solution. If pH falls out of the neutral range too far, the plants may not absorb nutrients properly. A pH value of around 6.5 is optimal for the absorption of most nutrients. pH can be checked by using a Hanna Instruments pH or Combo meter for exact testing or by using reagent color strips for testing the pH within a range of values.

Organic Pest Control

It is reassuring to know the organic fertilizers will strengthen plants resistance to pests. However, it is rare to maintain plants without utilizing a system for pest management. Many times, organic pest control methods are easy to implement and maintain as part of your watering and fertilizing program. Neem Oil, Hot Pepper Wax, and All Season’s Horticultural Oil are three types of organic pest deterrents that are very effective and can be used as part of a maintenance program every two to three weeks. Each of these methods should be applied in the early morning or evening when there is not direct sunlight on the plants to reduce the risk of leaf burn that may occur when the sunlight encounters oily or slick surfaces.

100% Neem Oil inhibits the insects’ digestive system and prevents them from making a feast of juicy orchid leaves and stems, though it is not harmful to beneficial insects. Combine 4 teaspoons of Neem with 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid, as a surfactant, per gallon of warm water. Spray the entire plant including the underside of the leaves.

Hot Pepper Wax Insect or Animal Repellant is an optimal choice when you want to deter insects and animals such as rabbits and squirrels. Though the solution may not taste hot to the human palate (no, tasting this is not recommended), it is quite hot to insects and animals and they avoid it. Another benefit of using Hot Pepper Wax is the action of the micro-thin wax barrier as an “anti-transpirant,” reducing water loss during warm summer months. The Hot Pepper Wax concentrate can be mixed 1 part concentrate to 32 parts water for insect repelling or 1 part concentrate to 16 parts water (8 oz product per gallon of water) for animal repelling. When applying, it is essential that all parts of the plant, including stems and the underside of leaves, be sprayed.

All Season’s Horticultural Oil may be used throughout the year and this self-emulsifying parafinic oil acts by suffocating or smothering the insect. Usage rates vary from 5 to 10 Tablespoons per gallon of water. Always allow at least two weeks between applications.

Happy Spring!
As the weather shows signs of warming, begin to watch your orchids for new growth. Once the new growth starts appearing, prepare your plants for summer by fertilizing them with Liquid Fish fertilizer and Liquid Seaweed. Hopefully your plants, too, will reward you with improved growth, blooms and plant health. _

Amanda Sylvie is the owner of Lone Star Orchids and may be contacted by calling 866.433.8256 or e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also visit her website at www.lonestarorchids.com .