Category: Culture

PH OF WATER: Adjustment of Salty Tap Water

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Phosphoric acid used to adjust slightly alkaline pH of 7.5 to acid pH of 5.5 to 6.0, thereby increasing the solubility of tap water to sodium chloride, to prevent crystallization on roots, etc.; ac... Read More

PH OF WATER: Its Effect on Orchids

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago A pH of 5 or lower is satisfactory for watering if the sodium and calcium content are not too high; the facts can be found out from your city authorities; a laboratory analysis will determine if yo... Read More

PH OF WATER: Satisfactory Range

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago 7 is recommended A78-309; other pH possibilities are: 8.0 to 8.4 is completely satisfactory; 7.2 or 8.4 should not be tampered with, depending on the locality; between 5.0 and 5.6 (medium strong ac... Read More

PH OF WATER: Softeners

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago De-ionization produces excellent water for orchids; salt, or ion, displacement does not; chemical supply houses sell small laboratory de-ionization or de-mineralizer units. A80-4 Read More

MOVING ORCHIDS: From Place to Place in a Greenhouse

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago There are disadvantages to disturbing plants by moving them around; five rules apply: (in short) move it in the evening so it can adjust to morning light; always return them to their same position ... Read More

DIVIDING CATTLEYAS: Minimum Number of Pseudobulbs to Keep on a Division

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Four or five give the best results. A70-55 Read More

OUTDOORS GROWING: In Miami Area

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago "grow or go" applies to orchids of minor importance in a large garden; plants are attached especially to oak trees on the east side at a point where water sprinklers hit a window-screener pouch wit... Read More

HUMIDIFIERS: Portable Unit Develops Fungus Growth

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago To control this, use Physan 20 one drop in three-quarters of a gallon of water. A78-698 Read More

LIME: Application to Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago 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 ... Read More

DAY LENGTH: Increased by Artificial Light

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Cattleyas may not flower with too much light, under lights and with kitchen lights on full. A86-1031Fall flowering cattleyas most respond to light; increase the day length by turning on lights for ... Read More