Newly Posted Articles

STATIC ELECTRICITY: In Orchids

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago If a comb is drawn through the hair and held to various plant parts they will respond and be attracted in various degrees depending on the lightness of their tissue. ODA69-139 Read More

STEM ROT: Seedlings of Vanda and Ascocenda

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Spray the surface of the potting media with 1/2 ttpg. Truban plus 1 tblsp. of Benlate; or lightly drench. A78-13 Read More

STEMS, FLOWERING: Too Weak

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago This can be caused by a low potash supply in the feed; or, by heredity; try using a high potassium fertilizer. A61-227 Read More

WATER SOFTENERS: Using "common Salt"

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago The main factor not fully considered in transforming a healthy collection of cymbidiums to a dying one was the fact that common salt was used as a water softener; refer to OR77-37+ -- water from a ... Read More

WATER, HARD: Devices Available for Removing the Cause

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago There is no simple device for removing calcium and magnesium from tap water; water-softeners create water unsuitable for orchids; demineralization units are expensive; paphiopedilums grow in limest... Read More

CATASETUMS: Dry Period of Rest

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago This is not necessary to induce them to flower; in nature growth is associated with rain and dormancy with dryness; grown warm and watered they often retain their leaves longer; defoliation is ofte... Read More

SUNLIGHT: Why Morning Sunlight Is Preferable

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Most plants are more active photosynthetically in the early morning; humidity is usually more favorable; temperatures are more conducive to efficient photosynthesis; morning sunlight in many places... Read More

SCALE: Controls

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A home-made spray can be made up with a half pint of water, a half pint of cooking oil, one tablespoon of liquid detergent, half a teaspoon of methyl hydrate (or rubbing alcohol), place them in a b... Read More

STERILIZATION: Loam or Leaf Mold

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago With heat: dry the materials first, then heat at 250 deg.F. for 30 minutes to kill virus; or use a pressure cooker at 212 deg.F. for 10 to 15 minutes. A70-345 Read More

STERILIZATION: Of Pots and Media

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Immersion in water heated to 162 dF (72 dC) for 10 minutes stopped the loss of seedlings from disease where fungicides had little if any effect. AU81-20 Read More