Signs of too much fertilizer?

[koiedge]

Hi,

As a relative new lily grower, what are the signs of too much fertilizer? I am trying to get a handle on how much to use.

I have been using 4-6 pond tabs around a newly planted lily in about a 1.5 - 2 gallon squat pot, but just recently tried using about a tablespoon of 10-30-10 time release in the bottom of the pot with the pond tabs to see if I notice more growth or burning.

Cheers,

Jeff

[PondmaninAL]

Well, Jeff, when the plant reaches out of the pond and grabs you and then turns you upside down looking for more fertilizer, you've given it too much.

Otherwise, I've never over-fertilized, so I don't know. On lotus, it could kill them.

Happy ponding,
Scott

[Timgod]

I use tabs plus granular flower fertilizer as well as Osmocote all at the same time. I feed mine very heavy. The only time it has been a problem for me is if it a very new(think weeks old) plant. Otherwise they go crazy and bloom and bloom.

If lotus are not putting up aerial pads they can burn easily as Scott says.

I am trying a few victoria's this year as well. They are heavy feeders but while juveniles they can burn pretty easy too. I read that but still lost a few to leaves just melting away. I think overfeeding was the problem in that case.

Tim

[koiedge]

Yea, thank guys!

Scott- if I could find the right combination of food to get a lily to reach out of the pond, I would be set!! They could have one at every botanical garden around the world!! LOL!!!  Maybe even every zoo!! Even better, have a mini lily jump' a roo at feeding times! Like gatorland!! 

Tim- I know about victoria's. I have tried them for three years from seed. A very long slow process. And out of the 3 times, only got several plants out into a big pond in 2004. And then, had them taken by Hurricane Jeanne. I was crushed. But have thought of trying again, I even have some amazonica seeds coming from Tailand. And have been watching a cruziana plant that enzo has on ebay with baited breath!  I know Kit Knotts in Cocoa, and the seeds are just not sprouting for her right now, across the different crosses.

Cheers,

Jeff 

[Sandyd]

How do you get Osmocote in a already planted Lily?

I don't want to tear it all apart.  I just planted it last fall and want too give it a boost.

[Jerry]

Easy, take the toe of an old pair of nylons and fill it with Osmocoat.  Make a hole in the planter and stuff it in.  Put a rock over it!

I used a BIG CHEAP tea infuser , works good!  Idea from my DW!


The first tip came from Joyce.
Since i took this shot there are about 5 more arial leaves!