Dear Tiff: My advice is only for your Phalaenopsis ("moth orchid"), because
I don't grow Cymbidiums and [as previously posted in other threads -- see
"Killing Orchids"] am no good at all with "dirt plants" like your camellia
and azalea.

But for your Phal: I see absolutely no reason not to fertilize while in bud
or flower, and many reasons why you should do so. The plant is putting out
a lot of energy, making all those buds, and it needs to be replenished.

I think [without benefit of any books or other authorities to cite for this
opinion], that the saying about not fertilizing orchids in bloom came about
mostly because most fertilizers contain dye, which can stain the flowers if
it hits them. Secondly, it may be less convenient to feed the plant while
it's in a display situation [e.g., indoors instead of out with all the other
orchids that need to be fed].

For some orchids [e.g., the dry-winter dens], withholding food can be
necessary to _induce_ flowering, but once the buds have formed, that's no
longer an issue.

That's my 2c. Good growing,
--
Kenni Judd
Juno Beach Orchids

http://www.jborchids.com
"Frank" wrote in message
om...
Dear Experts,

I'm sometimes confused with books because different books say
different things. I have a 6" Cymbidium, 6" moth orchid, 5G camellia,
6" azalea and 1G gardenia. They all have lots of buds now. Since they
are all acid loving plants, I bought MicrocalGro acid plant food for
them. My plan is to feed them every other week after watering at
concentration of 1tsp/gallon.

But I was told that I should not feed orchid when it has buds. Have to
wait until the flowering finishes. I'm wondering if this is true and
if it is true to all the plants I mentioned above or only orchids.

Which is the most accurate book that I should follow? I'm in SF bay
area.

Thanks a lot,
Tiff