Newly Posted Articles

WATER BALANCE (HARD): High in Iron, Calcium and Carbonates

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago In Indiana, the old answer was "Drink it first" to make it suitable for plants, otherwise put in a de-ionizer or use a fertilizer formula that does not contain those minerals, and the iron should b... Read More

WATER, COLD: Splashing on Phalaenopsis Leaves

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago Cold water causes leaf (mesophyll) collapse on the upper surface; a slightly sunken, light green pitting which is reproduced on the under surface, leading to the yellowing of the leaf. A75-498 Read More

WATER, COLD: Watering Damage to Orchids

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago There is no damage done using cold water to water plants; commercial growers no longer "temper" the water even when it is as low as 39 deg.F. A71-1021 Read More

WATER, HARD: Characteristics

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago The critical factor is the soluble salt content; over 150 ppm. of calcium carbonate (CaCo/3) is hard, soap does not produce good lather; waters with less than 125 ppm. are excellent; up to 500 ppm.... Read More

WATER, HARD: Deposits on Tree-fern Rafts

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago To dissolve these use a little nitric acid at pH of 4.0 to 4.5; add a few drops of dilute nitric acid to a plastic bucket of water and soak the rafts for 1/2 hour. A75-680 Read More

LIGHTS, GROWING UNDER: Sunrise-sunset Simulation

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago Turn on half the lights in the morning four hours before the rest of them and reverse the procedure in the evening, with only 10 hours full light in the eyele; this will reduce temperature by seven... Read More

PARASITISM: In Orchids

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago There is a strong reason to believe that some epiphytes are in fact at least partially parasitic such as Ionopsis utricularioides, Leochilus labiatus, and Microcoelia exilis. A67-1010; A77-703 Read More

PARATHION: Toxicity Reactions in Humans

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, nasal discharge, congestion, nervousness, tremor, dizziness and convulsions. A68-583 Read More

LIGHTS, GROWING UNDER: Wardian Cases

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago The wonder of the Victorian era is back again, this time with the assist of fluorescent lights, to provide a case five feet long with 160 watts of light, with metal trays for humidity, Braun desk-t... Read More

WATER, HARD: High in Calcium and Magnesium Salts

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 8 years ago Its nature and characteristics and suitability for growing; has high electrical conductance; comments on water-softeners; refer to A67-466+; AH39 Read More