Newly Posted Articles

LIME: In Bark Media

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago Lack of it in bark leads to greater acidity in the mix; it is a common almost universal practice (1) to add lime to bark potting mixes; can be added as dolomite to the surface of the pot mix, or gr... Read More

COLCHICINE: In Cymbidiums

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago A common laboratory mutagen it can be used on sterile plant materials to double the number of chromosomes; the present confusion about conversion analyzed; refer to OR81-171 Read More

DIVIDING CATTLEYAS: Minimum Number of Pseudobulbs to Keep on a Division

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago Four or five give the best results. A70-55 Read More

LIMESTONE: Added to Potting Mix

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago For a mix of fir bark and redwood bark add 1/2 pound of pulverized high magnesium limestone to each cubic foot. A64-591; A75-437; this procedure not considered necessary, as the pH of the fir bark ... Read More

INSECT REPELLANTS: Use on Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago Not recommended as they cause damage to buds: Off, when sprayed on flowers of paphiopedilums, dendrobiums, pleione caused collapse of flowers within an hour. RMH Read More

PAINTS: Rust-preventing, on Heating Pipes

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago A non-toxic paint is an asphalt-base aluminum paint; address given. A75-803 Read More

BEGINNERS: Best Plants for South Florida

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago In South Florida the first choices would be vandas, cattleyas, ascocendas and dendrobiums (evergreen or cane types) and secondly would be oncidiums (particularly equitants) and phalaenopsis. F84-147 Read More

CATTLEYAS, MINIATURE: Sheathing Removal From Pseudobulbs

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago It is recommended at repotting time to remove a sheathing if it is brown or dark, to check for fungi or hiding insects as it is a favorite place for them; treat with an insecticide or miticide and ... Read More

CATTLEYAS: Brown Striations and Cracks Show in Pseudobulbs

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago These curious striations are abcission zones which produce cracks; cause is not known nor is a cure; apparently not pathological. A66-311; AH59 Read More

LIME: Oyster Shell, Its Characteristics

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 9 years ago It is calcium carbonate lime; ground up shells comes in coarse type for chicken scratch or flour type used by many orchid growers. C74-51 Read More