Fertilizer question

I have been using the MSU fertilizer, with great results. My routine has been to fertilize for 3 waterings, then I "flush" with a watering. However, for the past three weeks, our temps. have been 90 plus, so I've had to water the hoyas in the greenhouse and on the screened-in porch about every other day. Do you think this is too much fertilizer? Do you slow down on the fertilizer when watering needs increase?

Thanks

Karen

Karen, I think a better way of putting it would be "slow down on the fertilizer when growth slows down". Some hoyas don't like it so hot- have you noticed any of your plants stopping or slowing growth? And have you noticed your eriostemmas (don't you have some?) picking UP growth in the heat?
It shouldn't be a problem to continue fertilizing normally in high heat, so long as plants are actively growing and aren't getting bone dry before the fertilizer is applied.

Thanks, Mark - I knew that I should slow down on the fertilizing during late fall and winter. My fear was, currently, since I am watering/fertilizing the hoyas about 3 times a week, would this cause "fertilizer burn?" I do flush them every fourth watering.

I do have some erriostemmas - and they are growing well. I had read your post (on another thread) on arnottiana - mine has just been sitting there. So, after reading your post, I moved my arnottiana inside to cooler temps - hopefully that will help.

Thanks

Karen

I think that as long as you flush between fertilizing you are cool!!!! No matter how often the cycles goes -

I am not familiar with the MSU fertilizer, but, I tend to slack off fertilizer when the temps are so high.
Karen, is your greenhouse filling up after the freeze last winter? I imagine it looks great!
Mel

Thanks Carol and Mel!

Mel - my greenhouse is filling up very nicely!! And, SOON, I will have some Tennessee hoyas to add to it!!! Can't wait!! I love "Mel's Hoya Sale" time of year!

Karen

Karen, how about a shot of the greenhouse so we can see your progress?

Is the concern less about over stimulating growth and more about salt build-up?

I never flush my plants, now I am wondering if I should... Every watering I give them a weak solution of fertilizer. Now that fall is almost here, I will stop fertilizing completely...but this year I am doing some heavy duty rearranging and will be keeping some of the bigger hoyas in the atrium, which has skylights and gets very very bright light year round...if the plants are in high light thru the winter, would it be ok to continue to fertilize and if so, how much?

I would definitely flush your plants from time to time. I speak from experience of repotting over 4000 pots because of salt build up!!!!

If you plants are growing, fertilize them. If they have conditions favorable to grow, they can use a shot of food.

HTH