Category: Orchid Doctor

WATER (GENERAL): For Cymbidiums

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago PH of 7.9 is within a good range providing there are no soluble salts and toxic ions such as sodium and bicarbonate; citric acid of food grade phosphoric acid; in Santa Barbara, Cal., one quart of ... Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Heating in the Greenhouse Ceiling

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Fifty feet of copper line painted black absorbs heat in the water which feeds both the greenhouse and the home supply, requiring less energy to bring it up to the required temperature. OIE88Mar-9 Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Lack of It

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago If the plant parches during its growing cycle, it can abort its spike. OA84-20 Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Leaching Effect

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago When pots are leached with water more nitrogen than phosphorous or potassium is leached out. A73-991 Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Low Solute Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Those that do better with low solute water are Lycastes (high elevation types), Masdevallias (Colombia), Houlletia and Coryanthes, Brazilian cattleyas, Paphiopedilum wentworthianum and others, Hunt... Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Perils of Poor Water

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago With high solute water, when you water the plants the salts coat the leaves; if the water has 800 ppm. of dissolved salts, the next sprinkling only doubles the coating; if the count is 1800 ppm. it... Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Sulfur in the Water

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago If sulfurous well water is used for drinking it is not likely to harm plants; it has a high pH value, so potting medias other than bark will prove more satisfactory. A65-1003 Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Temperature At Application

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Heat the water before if it is cold; use solar collectors to raise the temperature from 7 dC to about 21 dC before applying to phalaenopsis because it stops cold water damage. Wl1-164If water in th... Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Testing for Impurities

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago Los Angeles water tests about 300 ppm. of impurities, which is the "edge" at which New Zealand moss develops live stalks in the pots. OD87-155 Read More

WATER (GENERAL): Testing for Soluble Salts

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 10 years ago It is easily measured by an Electric conductivity instrument; municipal water departments test frequently; the results are expressed in mhos as 25x10"^ which equals 25x7 or 175ppm. about the best; ... Read More