I have two hoyas that I know flower (they did in the past).
Can I use Bloom Booster 30-15-30 for them?
Also, should I be watering from the top or the bottom?
Hoya fertilizing
Hi. I water from the top. Also, I think bloom booster fertilizer should have a higher middle number, like 10-52-10 or 15-30-15. Are you sure those numbers are right? The middle number is phosphorous, and that's what gives the "boost". Lower nitrogen (first number) and higher phosphorous (middle number) is what encourages more blooms. So what you have doesn't sound like a bloom booster.
But yes, you can use a "bloom booster" fertilizer. I wouldn't use it in the colder months (when their is little or no growth), but now would be fine. Some people like to use a bloom booster (or regular fertilizer) with every watering, but just dilute it to about 1/4 of what's recommended on the instructions. If you do that, make sure you flush out the plants with regular water every few waterings so that you don't get a build up of the fertilizer, which can cause root burn. Another way to use the fertilizer is to use it every 2-4 weeks.
I'm sure someone else could give you a more "scientific" response :)
Gabi
There are as many 'theories' behind fertilizers as behind flying saucers. I don;t use them as I think the formulas are based on outdated theories about soils and plant needs. I feel that phosphorus is overused and it is in the balance where the key is held. For about a year I have been using the MSU fertilizer and ONLY that...and my blooms have never been more healthy...and the plants thriving. And...it is inexpensive and fills all my needs.
I don't use those fertilizers either. I use Eleanor's VF-11, which I just love. I don't think one thing will work for everyone. Everyone has their own preference, and you just need to do what works for you and your hoyas!
Gabi
So much about plant needs are in the soil or medium you use....you might read about the fertilizers and the MSU stuff on www.firstrays.com
I use fertilizer now, but more for fun...meaning just something else I can do that "forces" me to spend time with my plants. For years I never touched the stuff, yet plants grew, and flowers bloomed. I think if you have good potting soil, and either repot or topdress every now and then when the soil starts to get depleted, there is really no need for anything else. Now I am using the beer fertilizer, but I think all the growth I am seeing is really just seasonal growth that I'd see anyway, with maybe a little "oomph" from the fertilizer, but not the miracle everyone says it is. I might like to try a little sample bottle of Eleanors next.
You are so right! It is 15-30-15,
My bad.
Thank you for all the helpful tips
You hit the nail on the head, Bhavana! I always use a very light dose of whatever fertilizer I apply. I think a little fertilizer in the mist bottle does more good than watering it in. My therory remains that it is always better to under fertilize than over fertilize.