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 almost 8 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. James W McCully asked question How to read archived articles ? in category General Discussion
  2. David George asked question recently purchased orchid - what to expect in category General Discussion
  3. Danielle Carbonneau asked question phalaenopsis, dendrochum and Odontoglossum in category Phalaenopsis
  4. Nicholas Filannino asked question Phalaenopsis William Kistler? in category General Discussion
  5. Mark Farran asked question How to open and read articles listed 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