Category: Orchid Doctor

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

STERILIZATION: Pots

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago With a pressure cooker: they should be sterilized this way as a matter of course, if of clay. A73-615 Read More

STERILIZATION: Tools

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago With Clorox: use one part Clorox to four parts water. A73-615; use one part Clorox to nine parts water. A79-910; Clorox kills in five to ten minutes. A79-1258; A80-110With flame: a candle flame is ... Read More

STERILIZATION: Tools -- with Chemicals

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A mix of formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide was once used but now just a 2% solution of the latter is used and is as good; it has a higher pH of 14 than the formaldehyde; the higher the pH the quick... Read More

STERILIZATION: Tools (general)

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Heating knives to red hot can distemper the metal; use cheap knives with non-conducting handles; single razor blades are good but can cause nasty cuts and they deteriorate quickly from rusting, etc... Read More

STEROIDS: Plant Growth Substances

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Birth control pills, one tablet to one quart of water, applied weekly to cymbidium seedlings produced heavier root growth. OA83-146 Read More

STOMATA GUARD CELLS: As Guides to Ploidy in Cymbidiums

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Cell measurement is only an indication of change of ploidy and is not conclusive. OA79-6 Read More

STRING: For Tying Plants

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A substitute for nylon cord can be made out of a large ball of good cord steeped in green copper naphthenate for a few days then dried; it lasts well in the greenhouse. RMH Read More

STUD PLANTS: Those Which Sire Fine Progeny

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Try to ascertain before purchasing if the parents of a plant have produced good offspring; such as Lc. Ishtar, C. Dinah, C. Nigritian, and C. Bow Bells in cattleyas. A67-394 Read More