LIME: Added to Potting Mix

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin over 7 years ago.

Article Blog   Article Index
To get the potting mix to 6pH add approximately 20 lbs. of lime per cu.yd. of bark; use dolomite lime or oyster shell flour, or even better, half-and-half of each. A071-29
Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

More The Orchid Doctor Articles under the Heading Lime

Lime Comments
LIME: Application to Plants A common mineral deficiency is calcium which is usually lacking in commercial fertilizers; it is sometimes supplied by means of limestone or dolomite, whose usual alkalinity is partially offset in the potting mix by acidic components like redwood; gypsum is a possible means to a solution if lime is lacking. OIE85Jy-13 0
LIME: Dolomite, Its Characteristics A mined, fossil-like form contains both calcium carbonate and magnesium; it adjusts the pH of bark; usually added with oyster shell because the two are better than one alone; beneficial in areas where the water is high in sodium. C74-51It does not react as fast as hydrated lime; it contains magnesium. A61-735 0
LIME: In Bark Media 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 ground oyster shell or hydrated lime. OA87-205 0
LIME: Oyster Shell, Its Characteristics 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 0
LIME: Pointers About it Composted fertilizers never contain it; it is always added to peat mixes in order to supply missing calcium; Rockwool and Oasis have no buffering ability for lime; the deficit of Calcium is revealed in weak leaves, easily broken spikes, discoloration of flowers; calcium develops firm cell walls. OA87-201 0
LIME WATER: Recipe One tsp. of hydrated lime is dissolved in a gallon of water; may be used to adjust the pH of potting media, upwards. A79-898; 1/2 tsp. limestone per 6 inch pot raises pH 5.0 up. A80-739 0

New Topics

  1. Mary Lane asked question Orchid roots .com site? in category General Discussion
  2. David George asked question recently purchased orchid shows unstoppable roots in category General Discussion
  3. katherine mott asked question shorter stem with less vigorous blooms in category Phalaenopsis
  4. Glenda Ratliff started topic need info on yellow bird in category General Discussion
  5. Paula Milano asked question Looking to join an orchid club. in category General Discussion
Ask a Question

Start a Topic

New Comments

  1. Kevin Bergeson commented on member plant Paph. rothschildianum by Kevin Bergeson
  2. William Gorski commented on topic "Orchid roots .com site?" by Mary Lane
  3. Carol Holdren commented on topic "recently purchased orchid shows unstoppable roots " by David George
  4. Michael Makio commented on orchid V. Beatrice Makio
  5. Carol Holdren commented on topic "shorter stem with less vigorous blooms" by katherine mott
  6. Carol Holdren commented on topic "need info on yellow bird" by Glenda Ratliff
  7. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Looking to join an orchid club." by Paula Milano
  8. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Repotting Large Cattleyas" by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  9. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. malipoense by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  10. William Gorski commented on topic "how difficult is it growing from seed" by kevan gregory
  11. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Information " by Carmen Britton
  12. Carol Holdren commented on member plant C. lueddemanniana var. Coerulea, Venosa by Paulo Fiuza
  13. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Banrot 40WP" by Therese Stecher
  14. Maria Lucia Prieto Real commented on orchid Rlc. Village Chief Armani
  15. Mariana Chacon commented on orchid Gom. Jiaho Queen
  16. Roberto Lizama commented on member plant Max. dillonii by Roberto Lizama
  17. Nancy Speedy commented on scheduled event "2024 Orchid show Martin County "Ocean of Orchids"" by Martin County Orchid Society
  18. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. Fanaticum by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  19. R .Benson commented on member plant Den. Tianmu Green Elf 'Sweetheart' by R .Benson
  20. Alice Walker commented on article "Oeniella polystachys" by Tom Kuligowski