CHARCOAL: In Culture Media

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

Article Blog   Article Index
Has a positive effect on the growth of cymbidium plantlets in the flask, also phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums because it seems to improve aeration. A84-258

It seems to improve aeration; for other details refer to OBIII-258

Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

More The Orchid Doctor Articles under the Heading Charcoal

Charcoal Comments
CHARCOAL: Activated to Adsorb Ethylene Pulverized charcoal activated by baking for two hours at 400 deg. and then hung in the greenhouse was claimed successful; activated monthly. A76-817; it definitely will not remove it by itself; air must be reduced in humidity to less than 5% before passing it through carbon; the cost is high. A80-513 0
CHARCOAL: Additive to Potting Mixes It does not "contain" much of anything except Cftrbon, it is used to "buffer" the compost to stop buildup of fertilizer or excess salts; the right type from a charcoal kiln must be used, whatever that is; it is praised for "sweetening" the mix for the Odontoglossum complex. OA81-153 0
CHARCOAL: As Drainage It is no better than broken crocks, crushed rock, coarse gravel, etc.,; may be reused after soaking in 10% solution of Clorox for 15 minutes or more or heating it in the oven at 250 deg.F. for 20 to 30 minutes. P70(4)19 0
CHARCOAL: As Potting Drainage After one year's use the plants went back; it seems to filter out and retain harmful matter in the mix. AU79-199When used for "crock" it seemed to absorb fertilizer salts and soon became toxic to bottom roots. A64-307. 0
CHARCOAL: As Potting Medium Because cellulose and lignin have been burned out in its manufacture it will last much longer than bark; suitable fertilizers are 18-18-18 or 20-20-20 at Itpg. A82-487Current use in U.S.A.; needs twice as much watering as bark because it does not absorb water, it adsorbs it and builds up layers of condensed liquids; never used alone, it provides no nutrients, requires a balanced fertilizer; used most as an additive to bark and other mixes. A86-496In Hawaii comparison test of growing charcoal against hapuu and fir bark proved charcoal superior; 3,000 to 4,000 plants were used, sized from 1/2 inch to 1 inch; after use, soak overnight in fungicide and reuse; Hyponex 20-20-20 recommended as fertilizer. NH74(1)12+It is fertilized with a balanced fertilizer with a 1-1-1 ratio, otherwise standard cultural practice apply. A84-1180It is used in terrarium mixes to "sweeten" the soil to keep roots healthy; the mix is kept open for better aeration; it allows only some algae to develop and appar... 0
CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES: Do Not Use They are made with materials that can be harmful if used in potting mixes. F77-115 0
CHARCOAL CHIPS: As Potting Medium In Hawaii, all vandaceous orchids grown in straight charcoal chips; fewer problems encountered from bacterial and fungal pests, A76-227 0
CHARCOAL: For Vandas If entire mix is charcoal, supply all the trace elements; be sure to leach periodically. A78-1124 0
CHARCOAL: Graded Hardwood Type Is available in four grades; advt. A84-1084 0
CHARCOAL: In Cymbidium Mix Has many good qualities to recomend it; used in many parts of the world; one questionable point is its filtering effect whereby modern insecticides and fungicides added to the mix may be adsorbed and rendered less effective. C73-130 0
CHARCOAL: In Potting Mix Many growers add about 10% of the fine grade in a mix. Van.O.S. Bull.Dec.-87 0
CHARCOAL: Potting Medium Oak charcoal with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 has the least effect on the pH of the mix; adsorbs cyclic organic compounds; is safe for plants but its main advantage is physical support. A81-1311 0
CHARCOAL: Properties Investigation of cationic exchange capacity; retention of nutrients; bacterial activity; high water holding capacity; and a high bacteria activity; feed organic type fertilizers to it; lasts forever. AU73-181+; pros and cons. A80-739 0
CHARCOAL: Supermarket Type Is Useful But not if it is processed into briquettes which have a petroleum binder. A75-876 0
CHARCOAL: Used in Potting Mixes It is popular in England and S.E.Asia; comprises 15 to 30% of the mix in England. A79-584 0

New Topics

  1. Danielle Carbonneau asked question phalaenopsis, dendrochum and Odontoglossum in category Phalaenopsis
  2. Nicholas Filannino asked question Phalaenopsis William Kistler? in category General Discussion
  3. Mark Farran asked question How to open and read articles listed in category General Discussion
  4. Juliann Eckhard started topic Cattleya little susie in category Cattleya Alliance
  5. Shannon Gardea asked question NELLY ISLER in category General Discussion
Ask a Question

Start a Topic

New Comments

  1. Louis Wilson commented on member plant E. alata f. alba by Louis Wilson
  2. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Phal. amabilis var. formosanum by Vickie Seibert
  3. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Rlc. Green Dragoon 'Mendenhall' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  4. Danielle Carbonneau commented on member plant Ons. Catatante 'Los Roble' by Henry Shaw
  5. Barry J Silver commented on orchid Lyon. SunCoast Pink Passion
  6. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Phalaenopsis William Kistler?" by Nicholas Filannino
  7. Carol Holdren commented on orchid Colm. Eric Gabriel Heines
  8. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Cattleya little susie" by Juliann Eckhard
  9. Carol Holdren commented on member plant Bc. Morning Glory by Chris Siolo
  10. R .Benson commented on member plant Kir. New Hybrid (Fred Clarke) SVO9831 by R .Benson
  11. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Blooming Stenglottis Venus “jamboree “" by John Urey
  12. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Lc. Canhamiana var. coerulea 'Cobalt' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  13. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Sns. gemmata by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  14. Stefan Neher commented on topic "Orchid roots .com site?" by Mary Lane
  15. Kevin Barry commented on member plant Bul. Tammie Sue Pernas by Tony Pernas
  16. Linda Hartman commented on member plant Ctt. Final Blue by Linda Hartman
  17. Kevin Bergeson commented on member plant Paph. rothschildianum by Kevin Bergeson
  18. Carol Holdren commented on topic "recently purchased orchid shows unstoppable roots " by David George
  19. Michael Makio commented on orchid V. Beatrice Makio
  20. Carol Holdren commented on topic "shorter stem with less vigorous blooms" by katherine mott