• Does this work for all orchids? If not, which ones should get it, which ones definitely should not get it?

• How often do I apply Epsom salts? I’ve read everything from monthly to twice a year. How much do I apply?

• What does the Epsom salts do? Is magnesium not sufficiently present in. fertilizer? So why is the boost from salts particularly important?

A You will not read much on this topic in regard to orchids for there has been little research done. As so often is the case, the myths and misinformation get spread widely, often by people selling something. However, this much is true: Magnesium is an essential element in orchid nutrition. In Europe , fertilizer formulas are often expressed as N-P-K-Mg, indicating that it is considered as a macroelement rather than a micronutrient. It can be made available to orchids in many forms. Potting mixes will often contain dolomitic lime for a slow-release source. Growers either top-dress with magnesium sulphate in the spring and autumn or they often apply it dissolved in water, usually as a stand-alone application, as it is prone to forming a precipitate when combined with most fertilizers. Sophisticated growers will usually add magnesium in a chelated form to their liquid-fertilizer solutions. Plant need can be gauged by tissue analysis but this is probably more complex than most hobby growers can be bothered with.

Magnesium is critical to the flower initiation process in orchids. Instances of disappointing flower production in Cymbidium, for example, have been linked to low levels of magnesium in plant tissue. The recent work with Phalaenopsis you have read supports previous studies on Cymbidium and it is reasonable to presume that magnesium is a macroelement for most orchid genera. — Andy Easton, Director of Education, American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane, Deiray Beach, Florida 33446 (e-mail aeaston@aos.org).