LIME: Application to Plants

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 9 years ago.

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A common mineral deficiency is calcium which is usually lacking in commercial fertilizers; it is sometimes supplied by means of limestone or dolomite, whose usual alkalinity is partially offset in the potting mix by acidic components like redwood; gypsum is a possible means to a solution if lime is lacking. OIE85Jy-13
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LIME: Added to Potting Mix To get the potting mix to 6pH add approximately 20 lbs. of lime per cu.yd. of bark; use dolomite lime or oyster shell flour, or even better, half-and-half of each. A071-29 0
LIME: Dolomite, Its Characteristics A mined, fossil-like form contains both calcium carbonate and magnesium; it adjusts the pH of bark; usually added with oyster shell because the two are better than one alone; beneficial in areas where the water is high in sodium. C74-51It does not react as fast as hydrated lime; it contains magnesium. A61-735 0
LIME: In Bark Media Lack of it in bark leads to greater acidity in the mix; it is a common almost universal practice (1) to add lime to bark potting mixes; can be added as dolomite to the surface of the pot mix, or ground oyster shell or hydrated lime. OA87-205 0
LIME: Oyster Shell, Its Characteristics It is calcium carbonate lime; ground up shells comes in coarse type for chicken scratch or flour type used by many orchid growers. C74-51 0
LIME: Pointers About it Composted fertilizers never contain it; it is always added to peat mixes in order to supply missing calcium; Rockwool and Oasis have no buffering ability for lime; the deficit of Calcium is revealed in weak leaves, easily broken spikes, discoloration of flowers; calcium develops firm cell walls. OA87-201 0
LIME WATER: Recipe One tsp. of hydrated lime is dissolved in a gallon of water; may be used to adjust the pH of potting media, upwards. A79-898; 1/2 tsp. limestone per 6 inch pot raises pH 5.0 up. A80-739 0

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