Category: Orchid Doctor

POTTING MIXES: Basic Requirements

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago They must support the plant; provide a micro environment for roots to receive adequate humidity, and aeration; and for water and nutrient availibility; should be made of materials that will not rot... Read More

POTTING MIXES: Cattleyas

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Recommended: 6.5 parts fir bark, 1.5 parts coarse peat moss poultry grade, 1 or 1/2 parts redwood bark fiber, 1/2 or 1 part perlite coarse, with a small amount of limestone and fertilizer. A68-146 Read More

POTTING MIXES: Cymbidiums

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Recommended: used in Santa Barbara area by six leading growers; fir bark is the basis of five of them; many other ingredients mentioned; refer to C74-22+ Read More

POTTING MIXES: General Suitability

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago For different genera: two parts peat moss, one part coarse sand, one part Perlite, an amount of bark to suit the requirements of the orchid; to one bushel of that add two ounces limestone and two o... Read More

POTTING MIXES: New Developments in the Sixties

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Many growers prefer two parts bark and one part redwood bark fiber; or, 60% bark, 25% coarse peat moss, 15% redwood bark fiber and 107o coarse perlite, all of this rather than straight bark because... Read More

POTTING MIXES: New Jersey No.1

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago One-third peat moss, coarse poultry grade, one-third oak leaves, dried and undecomposed, one-third redwood bark fiber, insulation grade or Palco Pete's mulch; grind the leaves to one-half & thr... Read More

POTTING MIXES: New Jersey No.6

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago One-quarter peat moss, coarse poultry grade, one-quarter oak leaves, dried and undecomposed, one-quarter redwood bark fiber, insulation grade or Palco Pete's mulch, one-quarter coarse clean sand; r... Read More

POTTING MIXES: Paphiopedilums

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Fine bark seedling grade 85 to 90%, plus 10 to 15% coarse sand; it decomposes slowly and gives good results. A71-249Seven parts fine fir bark, two parts redwood fiber (shavings of redwood or sawdus... Read More

POTTING MIXES: Phalaenopsis

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago In California, Hugo Freed found straight bark to be the ideal mix. FRlllTree-fern and redwood mix is common in semi-tropical areas; fir bark and redwood are used in northern climates where decompos... Read More

POTTING ON: Never Do it

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Any plant more than five inches across will develop a ball of rotten roots (especially cymbidiums) in the centre; the practice frequently causes defoliation of the central pseudobulbs. NZ86-174 Read More