GRAVEL CULTURE: Pros and Cons

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.

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In Florida area; advantages and disadvantages listed; comparison results with osmunda and bark; specific successes listed; refer to A57-778+; gravel culture instructions; refer to N303+; gravel considered best for seven main genera; refer to Oregon Orchid Society; Your first orchids. 6th ed.1974.
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Gravel Culture Comments
GRAVEL: As Potting Medium Quartz stone is a good substrate for Cattleya lablata and many encyclias; it needs more watering than bark and a periodical fertilization. OD87-147 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Cleaning the Gravel Let it soak overnight in 10% bleach to ensure cleanliness. A85-1237 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Comparative Merits Phalaenopsis do very well, cattleyas not so well as in osmunda, mexi-fern or bark; much used around 1950, now confined to phalaenopsis; takes more labor; more problems with bush snails. A65-1003+ 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Of Phalaenopsis It will not produce one more flower or leaf than will bark, or osmunda, etc. under good culture. A81-393 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Pebbles One grower favors them for a collection of epiphytic orchids. OA82-7 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Success with 12 Different Genera Roofing gravel used; 75% feldspar, quartzite and quartz, 25% calcite, decayed marble, limestone and garnet (decreasing in that order); 1/4 to 1/2 inch sizes, smooth and mostly round; treat with 75% phosphoric acid to remove deposits. A63-281+ 0
GRAVEL CULTURE: Under Lights Large pea-sized particles of gravel held too much water in the bottom of the pot; half-inch sized granitic and half-inch or more feldspathic pebbles were selected; organic fertilizer preferred; if necessary to increase water-holding add chopped leaf mold. A70-1074+ 0

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