Question
Hi Sir,

I read that fertilizers will only work if the plant is healthy. However, I bought an Orchid NRV Hormone Fertilizer(NPK 30:15:20) that is, as claimed by the manufacturer, formulated to treat leaf/bud drop, no flowering and root rot. I wonder if this ''magic bullet theory '' is true? Your advice please. Thank you.

Answer
I share you skepticism.  If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true.  As you are probably aware, each of these numbers in the fertilizer formulation serves a special purpose.  The first number is nitrogen which primarily plays a role in boosing new growth, the second number is phosphorous which plays a role in bud formation and growth.  The third number is potassium which helps maintain root health and growth.  It is true that fertilizers play their most important role on healthy tissue.  Root rot is primarily the result of a degraded potting mix and no amount or type of fertilizer is going to correct that. If you are looking for something that can boosts plant vigor try a product called "Superthrive" which consists of plant vitamins and hormones.  I have spoken with amateur and professional growers alike and all speak favorably of it.  Root condition is paramount for both good growth and flowering. For optimum root conditions you need a good orchid potting mix, water only when dried out and, usually, use fertilizer sparingly.  In nature, the only nutrition orchids receive are dilute solutions of bird and animal dung.