Category: Culture

CHARCOAL: Potting Medium

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Oak charcoal with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 has the least effect on the pH of the mix; adsorbs cyclic organic compounds; is safe for plants but its main advantage is physical support. A81-1311 Read More

SOLITE: Fired Clay

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago A potting medium used by some growers in areas where orchids can be grown outdoors and where rainfall is high; not very practical for greenhouse culture in Florida. Wll-212 Read More

PLASTIC BAG TREATMENT: For Rootless Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Put the potted plant in a large enough plastic bag to close off the top, place it under the bench and open it every 12 days to ensure it has not dried out; roots should form and then over a week ro... Read More

CHARCOAL: Activated to Adsorb Ethylene

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Pulverized charcoal activated by baking for two hours at 400 deg. and then hung in the greenhouse was claimed successful; activated monthly. A76-817; it definitely will not remove it by itself; air... Read More

CHARCOAL: Additive to Potting Mixes

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago It does not "contain" much of anything except Cftrbon, it is used to "buffer" the compost to stop buildup of fertilizer or excess salts; the right type from a charcoal kiln must be used, whatever t... Read More

CHARCOAL: As Drainage

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago It is no better than broken crocks, crushed rock, coarse gravel, etc.,; may be reused after soaking in 10% solution of Clorox for 15 minutes or more or heating it in the oven at 250 deg.F. for 20 t... Read More

PLASTIC STRING: As Potting Material

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Bundles interspersed with polystyrene create much drier conditions than other media; use with plants requiring little water -- leptotes, diacrium, brassavola. OR69-275 Read More

CHARCOAL: In Cymbidium Mix

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Has many good qualities to recomend it; used in many parts of the world; one questionable point is its filtering effect whereby modern insecticides and fungicides added to the mix may be adsorbed a... 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