Newly Posted Articles

STERILIZATION: Loam or Leaf Mold

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago With heat: dry the materials first, then heat at 250 deg.F. for 30 minutes to kill virus; or use a pressure cooker at 212 deg.F. for 10 to 15 minutes. A70-345 Read More

STERILIZATION: Of Pots and Media

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Immersion in water heated to 162 dF (72 dC) for 10 minutes stopped the loss of seedlings from disease where fungicides had little if any effect. AU81-20 Read More

STERILIZATION: Tools -- with Chemicals

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago A mix of formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide was once used but now just a 2% solution of the latter is used and is as good; it has a higher pH of 14 than the formaldehyde; the higher the pH the quick... Read More

STRING: For Tying Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago A substitute for nylon cord can be made out of a large ball of good cord steeped in green copper naphthenate for a few days then dried; it lasts well in the greenhouse. RMH Read More

STUD PLANTS: Those Which Sire Fine Progeny

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Try to ascertain before purchasing if the parents of a plant have produced good offspring; such as Lc. Ishtar, C. Dinah, C. Nigritian, and C. Bow Bells in cattleyas. A67-394 Read More

STYRENE: Poles for Drainage in the Pot

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Small poles three/quarters the length of the pot are stood upright in the center with chunks of styrene at the base to act as a drainage filter. AU85(3)-6 Read More

STYROFOAM (CHIPS): As Potting Medium

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Sometimes called "peanuts" they can be used for potting a variety of plants;a complete fertilizer must be used, as for hydroponics. A85-966 ; 1335 Read More

STYROFOAM (CHIPS): Chips as Potting Mix

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Polystyrene foam, inert, does not take up water, is light, white, durable and does not rot, is not susceptible to fungus, can be used alone or as in hydroponic culture. A86-500 Read More

STYROFOAM (CHIPS): Chips,in Peanut Type

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago A packing material easily obtained is useful as a three inch drainage layer in cymbidium potting. A82-372 Read More

SUCCULENT ORCHIDS: From Partly Drought Habitats

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago They have a special adaptation to climatic requirements of a six months dry season; examples are: Cattleya skinneri; Encyclia cordigera, Epidendrum stamfordianum, Vanda teres; Oncidium teres; Onc. ... Read More