Somewhere on this forum I think I read that Brugs don't like a lot of Phosphorous. Since I'm old school, I thought Green Light's Super Bloom would make any plant want to bloom more and bigger blooms more often.
What is it about the Brugs that they don't like about a high middle number in the N-P-K formula?
N-P-K
I'll bump this thread up for better chances of getting feedback. Good question, I'm currious myself to learn more. :-)
I would like to know myself.Sorry my page froze up.
This message was edited Dec 2, 2008 8:24 PM
I used to lurk around the Brug forum when Monika was more involved in the forum. Monika had several threads on that topic. If anyone knows, she would know why a high phosphate fertilizer is not recommended for Brugmansias. The kind of fertilizer Monika uses is not available in the US, but a complete hibiscus fertilizer comes closest to her formula. Hibiscus fertilizer has half the phosphate than than it does nitrogen and potassium.
I've looked up phosphates and it is very difficult to have too much available phosphates because it gets tied up rather quickly. Most plants can regulate the uptake of phosphates so toxic levels are rare. I did find this reference to grapevines:
Quoting:
Phosphate: Excessive phosphate levels in the soil can result in poor water utilization. Too much compost or manure, or even soft rock phosphate, or 11-52-0 (MAP) or 18-48-0 (DAP), or any phosphate source that will sufficiently build P levels in the soil can cause this to happen. Zinc is necessary for moisture absorption by the plant. Excessive phosphate ties up zinc.
Yet too many soil tests do not detect this problem due to the type of testing performed! Thus too much phosphate in the soil can rob your vines (or any other crop) of the zinc that provides the ability to efficiently utilize moisture. Too much phosphate can cause plants to require more rainfall or irrigation than would otherwise be needed. This happens in far more vineyards than most growers tend to suspect. Furthermore, an excess of phosphate can impede sulfur availability and uptake - a key to palatability for winegrape production.
I don't know if this would apply to Brugs as well. The danger of too much phosphates being applied comes when these are leached out and find their way to water resources where the phosphates promotes large algal blooms that can deplete the O2 levels and kill other living things in the water.
I wonder if because Green Light's Super Bloom is a foliar application if that would make a difference when used on Brugs? By not going in the soil, the P shouldn't effect other soil born nutrients or no?
I sure wish that Search feature was working. I know the answer is in one of the old threads.
In the English translation of her book Monika recommends the 16%Nitrogen, 8%Phosphorus and 22% potash, 3% magnesium and minors.The brand name mentioned isn't available here in the States. She also mentioned the long lasting fertilizers like Osmocote aren't suitable because the nourishing substances are released too slowly. (Page 34 of the English translation) If you ever get to see a picture of her Brugmansia Alley you'd be convinced she definitely knows what she's doing. Incredibly beautiful!
Hibiscus fertilizer comes closest to the formula recommended by Monika. But boy, is it expensive!
Bettydee, is there a brand name mentioned in conjunction with that "hibiscus" fertilizer? You folks are looking for a granular 16-8-22, with 3% magnesium and minors included..... Monika's book notwithstanding, I will see tomorrow if I can't come up with something for you.......
BTW, your Audrey Hepburne was just lovely. Thank you, thank you. Out of this my first year of brug adventure, I am extremely grateful for her delicate and eager blooms.
How much expensive ?How much come in it?
Someone on another thread said they used tomato fertilizer. Right now I'm using Miracle Grow, but would want to use what is best for the brug. So hibiscus or tomato?
fauna4flora, The brand is Space City 18-10-28 Hibiscus Fertilizer, made by a local Hibiscus club and sold at Southwest fertilizer. It also contains the minor trace elements. I'm glad Audrey Hepburn bloomed for you. She is such a trooper.
TheRoseGirl, The container is out in the greenhouse. I'll look at it tomorrow and see if the price sticker is still attached. I do remember gagging at the price.
About what formula to use? All I can do is parrot what Mary has said about seeing photos of Monika's Brug trees. The trees are loaded with blooms Heavenly!! If I can find a cheap substitute for the Space City 18-10-28 with micronutrients, I'll go with it.
I went to Lowes in search of Hibiscus fertilizer and found one box. It was 13-8-23 or some such. Nothing like 18-10-28. So I will have to search for it on line I guess. Right now they get the recipe foliarly and MG for the soil. They are growing real good, but I'd like to give them what is best for them.
DH says if you buy an 8-4-12 with 3-4% Mg and minors, and then double the application rate, it is virtually the same. We are thinking of going on a shopping trip this weekend, but I imagine I could get a 40 pound bag of something really great for $25 or less. Keep in mind that in this part of Florida I have access to the same fertilizers as a foliage industry that has a worldwide market- they(the fertilizer manufacturers) are just local by comparison.