Newly Posted Articles

PATENTED ORCHIDS: First in Australia

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago American, Japanese and European growers are protected by plant patent laws, so In effect a competing firm cannot buy a plant and then mericlone it at will for sale; a first for Australia. AU83-174 Read More

CLOROX: For Cleaning Benches

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Algae can be cleaned off wood benches with a 10% solution of Clorox. OD70-27 Read More

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MIX: Ingredients

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago As used in New Zealand: two imperial gals. of no.1 fresh-water sand and six gals. of sphagnum peat moss sieved small; add two oz. hoof and horn meal, 1.5 oz. single superphosphate, 1/2 oz. sulphate... Read More

UNPOTTING: Meaning

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Knocking the pot off the root-ball in order to inspect the roots. A78-112 Read More

BARK: Drainage in the Pot

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Use styrene "poles" 2/3 the depth of the middle of the pot held up by several supporting stones at the bottom so the centre of the mix has a dry drainage; an alternative method is to place a small ... Read More

BARK: To Moisten or Not Before Using

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Most authorities advise soaking before using; west coast growers sometimes pot in dry bark and water after one or two days to let broken roots heal; it seems to make no difference. OD67-117 Read More

BASKETS, WOOD: Chemical Treatment Against Rot

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Experiment included pine, cypress, fir hardwoods; completed baskets were soaked for a few minutes then dried for several weeks and thoroughly washed; copper napthenate colors dark wood a muddy choc... Read More

BRASSAVOLA DIGBYANA: A Problem Plant

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Should have same culture as cattleyas but it needs lots more light; do not keep wet and soggy; hang up high to get more light and heat. OR66-124; in Florida, grow in full sun. F71-137; for B.nodosa... Read More

CALABASH TREE: Crescentia Cujete

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Host tree "par excellence"; native of tropical America where it is widespread; grows 20 to 40 feet high; has been widely transplanted, especially to the East; all kinds of plants thrive on it. AU70... Read More

BENCHES AND SHELVES: Make Your Own Additions

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Extra shelves can be formed out of large-mesh hardware cloth or galvanized fencing by shaping them into "steps" supported by wood framing; plastic eave-troughs, cut to length and nailed to supports... Read More