Newly Posted Articles

FLOWERS: Meaning of "free Blooming"

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago No technical definition has been set, it can mean a plant that blooms most of the year, or several times a year, or has lots of flowers at one time. A83-6000 Read More

ROOTS: Cattleyas Growing Out of the Pot

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago They can be cut off with a sterile knife so that they branch out again inside the pot; roots from the old rhizome should not be cut. OR81-143 Read More

PENTAC: Miticide

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago It has few if any bad effects on plants and is relatively benign to people; use it once a week; it has a shelf-life of only about one year. OIE86Jan-17Mode of action: it attacks the neuro-muscular ... Read More

NUTRITION: Essential Plant Compounds

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago The awesome chemical phenomenon of photosynthesis; macronutrients (nitrogen, etc.) and micronutrients (Iron, etc.) and their functions in water and potting media; for fascinating details refer to A... Read More

OAK BARK: A Preferred Substrate

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago In the natural habitat its corrugated bark supports orchid life; in England oak trees contain gallic and ellagic acids which are growth inhibitors, except for Quercus castonia and Q. vicentensis, b... Read More

OAK LEAVES: As Potting Additive

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago They contribute to the breakdowhnof the potting mix in about six months. OD70-27 Read More

FUNGICIDES: Combined with Pesticide

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Both Manzate and Benlate can be combined with Malathion. A73-991 Read More

FLOWERS: Pressing for Preservation

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Place the flowers between porous paper (blotting); put under a moderate weight; change papers every day or two; some warmth facilitates drying; most genera retain their color remarkably well. OR79-... Read More

FLOWERS: Refrigerated

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago For phalaenopsis a temperature of 48 to 52 deg. F. is best; cymbidiums and other cold-growing orchids take 42 to 45 deg.F. F75-85 Read More

COMPOST: Mixing Old with New

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A bit of the old mix may carry spores of indigenous mycorrhiza beneficial in the new mix, but the results take so long that the benefits are doubtful. OR85-137 Read More