Question about using Miracid...

woodguy

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When using an aggressive feeding/watering schedule, as Walter Pall suggests, on lime-hating plants like azaleas, should a fertilizer like Miracid be used at each feeding? Or should it just be once a month and then be fed with plain MG or similar during the rest of the time?
 

Chub

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I started using it a month ago and have noticed a difference already after two feedings. I use one small scoop per quart. Halfway between the indoor and outdoor plant dosage. Wasn't sure if I should go full strength.
 
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Woodguy,

The bottom line is the pH of the fertilizer you're feeding your plants. I've invested in a digital pH meter from the local hydroponics store and it's the best money I've ever spent (around $75). If you adjust the pH of the solution according to the plant's needs, you'll never have to guess again how much miracid or any other product to use.

JC
 
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There are two excellent stores that I go to in Pasadena, they are:

Alternative Hydro - 3870 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena - (626) 449-6006

BetterGrow Hydro - 1271 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena - (626) 737-6612

If you spend the time and talk to these guys, they are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to plant science. I buy all my air pots & smart pots from these guys too, check 'em out.

JC
 

ghues

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JC,
In regards to your quote "If you adjust the pH of the solution according to the plant's needs...."
Just curious, wouldn't you have to test the PH of the soil as well? Then adjust the fert. accordingly to ensure you keep the PH where the plant likes it too be?
G
 
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Mike423

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I was told by one of my older Bonsai Buddies that Miracid should be avoided and if used, only on in ground trees. He said that Miracle grows Miracid has a tendency to burn the roots more easily than other fert. Cant speak out of personal experience though.
 

Bill S

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Mike if you picture the scoop in the MG boxes, it has a small scoop on one end, I think labled tsp. I use 2 of these in a two liter soda bottle with holes drilled in the cover for fertilizer delivery . I do this every week end with no bad results.

Now part of the issue is how much of this juice do you now put in the pot, half a bottle in one pot might be no benificial to your tree, I don't have a method I can describe per se as to how much I use per tree, but I water first, then go around and fertilize as to what I feel the size of the pot would require.

If you use a free draining soil it's been said by many, that know more about it than I do, that the tree uses what it needs, and root burning isn't on the list of horrors you will do to your tree, I suppose if you dump the stuff crystal form on the soil and water it in a bit, it could be dicey.

If you are watering twice a day like many of us are in this heat, w/ a good bonsai soil, I feel this is NOT an issue to worry about.
 
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JC,
... wouldn't you have to test the PH of the soil as well?

Ghues,

I've never worried about the soil pH because the soil is usually taylored to the plant (for example, Azalea soil would contain more peat and no grit, pines would take no peat & more fast draining grit etc.) but, if you're serious, you could test the soil pH and that would take it a step further.

The point is, too many people in my area, where the water is terrible, don't measure any pH. By just measuring the pH of my water, I've been able to grow pines that are very healthy (don't ask me to post any pics).

JC
 
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